The streets of Washington DC are becoming a racetrack — and that means getting around the nation's capital won't be business as usual this weekend.
Even before the first IndyCar takes the track, the race is making its presence felt across downtown.
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix should bring more than 100,000 fans downtown Saturday and Sunday, with extensive road closures and parking restrictions already changing how people move around the city. Metro, pedestrians, drivers and even travelers flying through Reagan National Airport will all need to plan around the event.
Here's what to know before you head out this weekend — whether you're going to the race or trying to avoid it.
What roads are closed in DC for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix?
City officials have already closed dozens of roads for traffic or parking
throughout downtown DC so crews can install concrete barriers, fencing and other infrastructure for the race. For a full list of closures, visit mpdc.dc.gov.
The closures are happening in phases, with additional streets closing as race weekend approaches and some restrictions remaining after the event.
The biggest impacts are concentrated around the National Mall, where the 1.66-mile street circuit winds through some of the city's busiest areas. Among the major roads affected are Constitution Avenue, Pennsylvania Avenue, Independence Avenue and portions of streets running north-south across the Mall.
That means drivers who normally use the Mall to cross downtown will need to find alternate routes, and some parking garages will also have restricted access during the race weekend.
The closures are already creating headaches for commuters, with one driver telling WTOP her commute is worse than cherry blossom season.
"Folks will just need to adjust, so build in more time if you are going to drive downtown as these closures go into place," Interim DC Police Chief Jeffery Carroll told WUSA. "As we move into Friday, kind of the full box, the closures will be in place, that will be Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. And as soon as the race is over on Sunday, they'll begin to breakdown, prioritizing reopening the main streets there. So, they will have to move the concrete walls and barriers from the roadways."
Can I walk or bike around the Freedom 250 Grand Prix track?
Yes, but expect some changes to the routes you normally take around the National Mall.
Pedestrians will still be able to move through much of downtown during the Grand Prix, but fencing and concrete barriers will block some familiar paths and crossings around the course.
Cyclists should also expect to detour around portions of the track. Some roads that normally accommodate bikes will be closed to vehicle and bicycle traffic, and riders may need to find alternate routes depending on where they are traveling.
How is the Metro affected by the Freedom 250 Grand Prix?
With all of the road closures, Metro considers itself the best way to get around the city during race weekend.
"Metro Rail will run normal weekend service with additional trains on standby for the end of the race to move customers safely and efficiently," WMATA said.
Fans attending the Grand Prix can use the L’Enfant Plaza, Smithsonian, Federal Center SW, Archives, Federal Triangle, Metro Center, Gallery Place, and Judiciary Square stations.
Several bus routes, however, have been detoured to accommodate the set up and tear down of the race. To see a full list of the detours, visit www.wmata.com.
How will DCA be affected by the Freedom 250 Grand Prix?
Because of flyovers, fireworks and aerial displays for the race, flights at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport have been impacted. The airport itself will remain open, but temporary airspace restrictions could delay some flights.
DCA says to expect some mid-day delays Friday, Aug. 21 due to aerial rehearsals, with more delays expected on Sunday, Aug. 23.
"Expect a 3-hour airspace closure beginning at 10:15 a.m. for flyovers of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix," the airport says. "Airlines are adjusting flight schedules to avoid this closure window. The airport will remain open, including dining, shopping, parking and security screening."
Passengers are encouraged to check with their airline for updated flight information.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How to navigate Washington DC during Freedom 250 Grand Prix weekend
