Major road closures will take effect this weekend across Washington, D.C., and Arlington, Virginia. Drivers are advised to exercise caution as tens of thousands of participants are expected to turn out for the 51st Marine Corps Marathon (MCM), known as "The People’s Marathon."
On Sunday, the 25th, when the main marathon race takes place, the course will start between the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery, pass through Rosslyn, the Key Bridge, Georgetown, and the National Mall, and return to Arlington via the 14th Street Bridge. Runners will then pass through Crystal City before crossing the finish line at the Marine Corps War Memorial.
According to the Arlington County Police Department, major arteries including Wilson Boulevard, Richmond Highway, Route 110, and select ramps along I-395 will be completely shut down from 3 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. In addition, vehicular traffic around the Key Bridge, Langston Boulevard, and Crystal Drive will be restricted depending on the section from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In Washington, D.C., major city roadways—including the Memorial Bridge, Key Bridge, the 14th Street Bridge HOV lanes, Canal Road, M Street, and Rock Creek Parkway—will also be closed from 5:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. The D.C. Police Department plans to set up emergency "No Parking" zones along these corridors from 2 a.m. to 2 p.m. and strictly enforce them through towing.
Meanwhile, on the morning of Saturday, the 24th, the "BellRinger Bike Ride" to raise funds for cancer research will be held, leading to additional traffic restrictions around M Street, Canal Road, and Chain Bridge from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Authorities urged travelers to utilize public transit (Metro) this weekend and to check alternate routes in advance if driving.