Washington, D.C., is bracing for a weekend of major road closures, security restrictions, and heightened law enforcement presence as the Freedom 250 Grand Prix takes over some of Washington’s busiest streets.
The event, organized by the White House as part of the America 250 celebrations, is expected to draw roughly 140,000 spectators each day on Saturday, Aug. 22, and Sunday, Aug. 23. Race cars will reach speeds of more than 200 mph as they zoom through downtown Washington past key landmarks such as the Capitol Building and the Washington Monument. The main race is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Sunday and will air nationally on Fox. Free tickets for the event have sold out.
The Metropolitan Police Department has announced a series of traffic closures and vehicle restrictions in the days leading up to the race as officials prepare the downtown race circuit and implement security measures.
Much of the National Mall will be inaccessible to vehicles, with closures stretching from 12th Street NW to 3rd Street NW. Access to several downtown buildings will also be affected, including the Ronald Reagan Building and the Waldorf Astoria.
According to MPD, vehicle traffic will remain permitted on 14th Street NW near the Reagan Building. For access to the Waldorf Astoria, drivers will be directed south on 11th Street from E Street, with vehicles permitted to cross Pennsylvania Avenue to reach the hotel. Officials said they will make every effort to accommodate access to parking garages and loading docks within restricted areas when public safety conditions allow. A full list of street closures is available here.
The disruptions will extend well beyond race weekend. According to event organizers, roads around downtown will not return to normal until Sept. 15, as crews dismantle the race circuit. Restrictions are expected to ease each week gradually as portions of the track are removed.
Race officials are urging spectators to leave their cars at home and use public transportation.
Metro is planning additional service and staffing for the weekend. Riders can use the Smithsonian, Federal Triangle, Archives, Federal Center SW, and L’Enfant Plaza stations to reach the race area, although Metrobus riders should expect detours around the course.
Access to Smithsonian museums within the restricted area will also be restricted to Freedom 250 Grand Prix ticket holders on Saturday and Sunday.
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The race circuit will also complicate move-in for Georgetown University students living in Capitol Campus residence halls at 55 H Street, 77 H Street, and Gewirz Residence Hall, which are located near the circuit and National Mall. Officials said moving in on Monday, after the Grand Prix concludes, will provide significantly better access to the residential buildings and reduce transit delays. Students who must move in on Saturday or Sunday should expect restricted vehicle access and delays while unloading belongings.
The Grand Prix is the latest America 250 event to snarl portions of the National Mall and downtown Washington this summer, with organizers preparing the city for a major influx of visitors as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.