What You Need To Know About METRO If You Head To DC This Weekend

Metro alters schedule for holiday weekend

WASHINGTON - Thousands are expected to take Metrorail to the National Mall on July 4. If that includes you, here's your Independence Day riders guide.

Metrorail will operate from 7 a.m. until midnight July 4, and parking will be free at all Metrorail lots. The fireworks begin at 9:10 p.m. and the Smithsonian Metro station will be closed until the show is over.

Also be aware the final destination of the train you ride may be different than usual Sunday. All Orange Line trains departing the Vienna/Fairfax-GMU station will alternate its final destination between the Stadium-Armory and New Carrollton stations. All Yellow Line trains will operate between the Huntington and Mt. Vernon Sq/7th St-Convention Center station.

Beginning at 2 p.m., all Red Line trains departing from the Shady Grove station will alternate their final destination between the Silver Spring and Glenmont stations.

Beginning at 6 p.m. and leading up to the show, trains will leave stations more frequently. But getting home from the Mall after the festivities end, could take a while. Metro says trains will be very crowded, and riders may have to wait an hour or more to get on board.

Escalators at many downtown stations will be turned off on July 4, and don't be surprised to see extra police and police dog riding the rails with you.

Be aware there is a Nationals home game Sunday at 1:35 p.m. Extra trains will be added before and after the game to handle the crowds.

Source