Special events and Metro track work make for a tough-to-travel weekend

Tim Bracken, wtop.com

Weekend Wakeup Call – Friday, May 4 to Monday, May 7

Get ready for a busy weekend. In addition to the Nationals and Capitals games, there will be other big events. The National Cinco de Mayo Festival, the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, Race for Hope, and the National Cathedral Flower Mart.

On top of all the events, Metro will continue track work, so riding Metrorail could be a nightmare. If you’re headed into the District for any of these special events, leave early and always have a “plan B” if you run into delays.

Have a great weekend.

Metro track work

Yes, there will be track work while the Nationals and Washington Capitals games take place. Take a look at Metro’s summary, leave early, and be patient.

Red Line

Trains will single track through two work areas:

  • Between Forest Glen and Takoma stations.
  • Between Van Ness and Dupont Circle.

Red Line trains between Shady Grove and Glenmont will operate every 24 minutes. Between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, additional trains will operate between Farragut North and New York Avenue only, providing service every 12 minutes in the downtown core.

Orange Line

  • Trains will single track between Eastern Market and Stadium-Armory.
  • More single tracking between East Falls Church and West Falls Church.
  • Orange Line trains will operate every 20 minutes.

Green Line

Free shuttle buses will replace Green Line trains between Greenbelt and Fort Totten. The following four stations will be closed:

  • Greenbelt
  • College Park
  • Prince George’s Plaza
  • West Hyattsville

Green Line trains will operate normally between Fort Totten and Branch Avenue. Customers using shuttle bus service should add up to 50 minutes to their travel time.

Yellow Line

Due to Green Line track work, Yellow Line trains will operate between Mt. Vernon Square and Huntington only.

Lane closures on the Beltway

There will soon be a new lane open on the Inner Loop of I-495 between I-66 and Route 7. Before that can happen, there will be some lane closures. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Three right lanes will be blocked on the Inner Loop at between I-66 and Route 7 – Lanes will be closed Friday at 9:30 p.m. to Saturday at 8 a.m.
  • The ramp from the Inner Loop to Route 7 will be closed.
  • Both directions of Route 7 will be closed at the Beltway, with a detour posted.
  • All work is weather permitting.

I-95 construction

Friday between 9:30 p.m. and 5 a.m., watch for continued closures related to the Express Lanes Project:

  • I-95 HOV lanes will be closed between the Franconia-Springfield Parkway and Dumfries Road.

Construction in the District

On Saturday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., the ramp from the 12th Street Expressway to D Street will be closed for road work.

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer

The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. Participants will walk from the Washington Monument to the Avon Wellness Village, which will be set up in Chevy Chase, Maryland. The route is described as mostly along sidewalks and city streets. Check out the route map, and expect delays.

Race for Hope

The D.C. Race for Hope will begin Sunday at Freedom Plaza. The 5k run kicks off at 9 a.m., and will take participants from the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and 12th Street to the west side of the Capitol complex, then back to the starting point. See the course map here.

National Cathedral Flower Mart

The National Cathedral Flower Mart, now in its 73rd year, is scheduled for Friday and Saturday. As many as 10,000 visitors are expected to attend the festival each day, which will feature plants, food, carousel rides, and live entertainment.

Cinco de Mayo Festival

The 20th annual National Cinco de Mayo Festival will take place on Saturday. Head out to the Washington Monument to celebrate Latin American dance, music, and crafts.

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(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

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