The annual Cherry Blossom Parade will take place this Saturday in D.C., and those planning to drive near the event should expect road closures and parking restrictions. The Metropolitan Police Department has outlined traffic changes that will be in effect from early morning until late afternoon, prioritizing pedestrians and affecting usual traffic patterns.
The Cherry Blossom Parade in D.C. will cause significant disruptions to traffic and parking. According to the MPD, parking will be prohibited along several streets, including 7th, 9th, 10th, and 22nd streets, from 3:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Additionally, traffic will be restricted on key roads such as Constitution Avenue and Independence Avenue, along with other surrounding areas, as part of the parade route and related activities.
For those planning to navigate the congestion, the list of street closures is extensive: 7th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue, NW to Independence Avenue, SW; Constitution Avenue from 23rd Street to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW; and inbound I-395 to the 14th Street Bridge & 14th Street Bridge (HOV) are just a few examples. More details on timing and specific closures are available on the MPD website. These disruptions will begin at 3:00 a.m. and continue until 4:00 p.m., with some roads, like portions of 9th and 14th Streets, starting their closures around 9:00 a.m.
The disruptions are part of the celebration of the city's iconic cherry blossoms, which have been a highlight for many over the years. For those planning to travel, it’s advisable to plan ahead, consider alternative routes, and potentially adjust travel times to avoid the traffic delays.
