This Sunday, the city of Washington D.C. will be observing a long-standing tradition, as the 72nd annual Red Mass takes place, drawing congregants and the curious alike, while inevitably drawing parking restrictions and street closures along with them. Confirmation of the event, which will occur on October 6, 2024, comes with a caution for drivers to plan their routes accordingly.
The Metropolitan Police Department advises that certain streets will be under the guard of emergency 'No Parking' from 5:00 a.m and will remain closed until noon; Rhode Island Avenue, from Connecticut Avenue to 17th Street, NW, as well as 17th Street Evans Alley from M Street to Rhode Island Avenue will be inaccessible to vehicles during these hours, and naturally, this means motorists should brace for detours and delays. However, these restrictions and closures depend on the situation of the day and may change in response to "prevailing or unexpected conditions," according to the information provided by the police department's traffic advisory.
For those who typically park along these streets, caution is the watchword, as vehicles found in violation of the emergency no parking signage will not be on the receiving end of mercy; ticketing and towing are assured to be swift and certain. And, for the most up-to-date traffic information, the department suggests checking in with their Twitter account, the handle being @DCPoliceTraffic.
Lastly, Washington's Metropolitan Police Department and the D.C. Department of Transportation remind those within the vicinity of the Red Mass that with increased pedestrian activity comes a greater need for vigilance as they navigate the disrupted streets; therefore motorists are advised to proceed with caution, the police and the D.C. Department of Transportation wants the public to be safe while the attendees of this historic mass walk amidst the stir of the city.
