Tim Bracken, wtop.com
WASHINGTON – The good news for holiday travelers is that the Virginia Department of Transportation will suspend all construction lane closures from noon Friday until noon Tuesday, May 29.
If you’re planning on traveling for the holiday weekend, prepare for delays and always have a backup plan if you get stuck in traffic.
For those of us who are staying home, there will be plenty of Memorial Day events, some race events and the Sunset Celebration at the Mount Vernon Estate.
Don’t forget that Metro track work will continue through the weekend, so be sure to check the work summary if you’re planning on riding the train to get to any of the Memorial Day events.
Rolling Thunder 2012
The annual Rolling Thunder event will bring the familiar caravan of motorcyclists to our area. Each year, thousands of bikers participate in the rally that promotes awareness of veterans and soldiers missing in action.
Here is a summary of major events and closures planned for this weekend:
Friday:
- The Rolling Thunder group will depart the Molly Pitcher rest area on the New Jersey Turnpike at 9 a.m.
- The group is scheduled to be at the Maryland House rest stop by 1 p.m.
- Arrival at the Hyatt Regency in Crystal City by 3 p.m.
- There will be a candlelight vigil at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at 9 p.m.
Saturday:
- Rolling Thunder wreath presentation will take place at the U.S. Navy Memorial at 11 a.m.
- Tribute to Rolling Thunder starts at 11:45 a.m. at Henry Bacon Drive and Constitution Avenue NW and will feature several speakers and musical groups, including Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band.
Sunday:
- In Arlington, Washington Boulevard will be closed near the Pentagon from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a special Rolling Thunder program.
- The Memorial Bridge and Memorial Circle will be closed from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Events at Arlington National Cemetery
There will be several events at Arlington National Cemetery throughout the weekend, including the Run for the Wall motorcycle group gathering, a free showing of the independent film “The Fence,” wreath ceremonies and a Memorial Day observance.
National Memorial Day Concert
The National Memorial Day Concert is scheduled for 8 p.m. Sunday at the U.S. Capitol. This year’s performers and speakers include Gary Sinise, Colin Powell, Natalie Cole, Trace Adkins, Jessica Sanchez and more.
Memorial Day Parade
The National Memorial Day Parade is scheduled for Monday at 2 p.m. The parade will start on Constitution Avenue at 7th Street NW, and end at Constitution Avenue and 17th Street NW.
Hometown Holidays in Rockville
Rockville presents its annual three-day celebration, featuring music, food and children’s activities. Hometown Holidays concludes with a Memorial Day Parade at Rockville Town Square Plaza.
Metro track work
Metro will continue efforts to rebuild the rail system throughout the holiday weekend. All work will begin Friday at 10 p.m., and will continue through system closing on Monday. Here’s what you need to know:
Green Line:
- Buses will replace Green Line trains between Greenbelt and Fort Totten.
- Yellow Line trains will operate between Huntington and Mount Vernon Square only.
- Customers traveling to and from stations north of Mount Vernon Square should use Green Line trains to complete their trip. Green Line trains will operate normally between Fort Totten and Branch Avenue.
Red Line:
- Trains will single track between Forest Glen and Takoma.
- Red Line trains will operate every 20 minutes between Glenmont and Shady Grove throughout the weekend.
- Customers should allow 10 minutes of additional travel time.
- Between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., additional trains will operate between Shady Grove and New York Avenue stations, providing service every 10 minutes.
Metrorail:
- The system will open at 7 a.m. and close at midnight. Trains will operate on a Sunday schedule. Customers are advised of scheduled track work on the Green and Red lines. Off-peak fares will be in effect all day, and parking is free at all Metrorail parking facilities.
Metrobus:
- Buses will operate on a Sunday schedule.
MetroAccess:
- All subscription trips will be canceled on Monday. Customers wishing to travel on the holiday should make a separate reservation.
Sunset Celebration at Mount Vernon
The annual Sunset Celebration runs Friday through Sunday at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate. Visitors to the ticketed event will enjoy wine, desserts, tours and 18th-century music.
Save the Trail! 5k
Saturday at 9 a.m., runners will gather at Elm Street Park in Chevy Chase for the
Alexandria Running Festival
The Alexandria Running Festival will feature a half-marathon, a 5K and a kid’s 1K run. The races kick off at 7:30 a.m.
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