The District of Columbia is set to host its annual D.C. Bike Ride on Saturday, an event expected to draw thousands of cycling enthusiasts to the city streets. In conjunction with this popular event, extensive road and ramp closures are scheduled, affecting key routes from Downtown to the bridges.
Road closures commenced Friday evening, beginning with Pennsylvania Avenue, Constitution Avenue, and 6th Street NW near the National Mall, which were shut down at 6 p.m. These streets will remain closed until 5 p.m. Saturday, impacting traffic flow during peak hours.
On Saturday, cyclists will depart at 7:30 a.m., with road restrictions gradually expanding across the city. Major streets such as Constitution Avenue NW, 12th Street NW, 10th Street NW, and 9th Street NW will be closed as early as 3 a.m. To accommodate the ride, additional closures will activate at 6 a.m. and 6:30 a.m., affecting critical corridors including 14th Street NW, Independence Avenue SW, Ohio Drive SW, Rock Creek Parkway, and the Arlington Memorial Bridge.
The route also passes over the Potomac River Freeway, Whitehurst Freeway, and the 14th Street Bridge HOV lanes, all of which will be inaccessible during the event. Ramp closures on I-395 near Pentagon City, Maine Avenue SW, and the 12th Street Expressway will also be in effect during the morning hours.
Most closures are scheduled to lift by late morning, although some streets, such as Independence Avenue SW and 3rd Street SW, may remain closed until after noon. Motorists are strongly advised to avoid the route area and plan alternate routes. Public transportation options, including Metro services, will continue to operate and are recommended for participants and spectators.
The detailed closure schedule includes:
**Friday to Saturday:**
– Pennsylvania Avenue NW (7th St. to 3rd St.) – 6 p.m. Friday to 5 p.m. Saturday
– Constitution Avenue NW (7th St. to 3rd St.) – 6 p.m. Friday to 5 p.m. Saturday
– 6th Street NW (C Street to Constitution Avenue) – 6 p.m. Friday to 5 p.m. Saturday
**Early Saturday (3 a.m. – 10 a.m.):**
– Constitution Avenue NW (12th St. to 7th St.)
– 12th, 10th, and 9th Streets NW (Constitution Avenue to Pennsylvania Avenue)
**Saturday morning (6 – 9:30 a.m.):**
– Independence Avenue SW (14th St. to 23rd St.) westbound
Extended closures beginning around 6 a.m. and ending by 12:30 p.m. include:
– Potomac River Freeway, Whitehurst Freeway, E Street Expressway NW, Maine Avenue SW, 14th Street SW, 14th Street Bridge HOV lanes, Independence Avenue SW, and 3rd Street SW.
Additionally, ramp closures on I-395 from 6 a.m. to noon will affect several on-ramps, including those near Pentagon City and the southbound and northbound HOV lanes.
Organizers and transportation officials emphasize the importance of planning ahead and utilizing public transit options to navigate around the city during the event. The closure schedule aims to facilitate a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants while minimizing disruption to the general public.