Amy Freedman, wtop.com
Weekend Wakeup call: Feb. 17 – 20
This weekend consists of many of the types of closures we’ve come to expect on the Virginia Beltway with the Express Lanes project. Fortunately, these major closures are in the overnight hours, but since it’s the weekend and we tend to stay up later, they may affect your plans. As it is a three-day weekend for most, several events are planned to celebrate Presidents Day, including a parade in Alexandria and a 10K run. Have fun and enjoy the holiday.
Beltway Express Lanes project overnight work continues
I-495 Inner Loop from Route 7 Leesburg Pike, Exit 47, to Route 267 Dulles Toll Rd, Exit 45, three lanes will close Friday, Feb. 17 at 10:30 p.m. with total temporary closures starting at midnight until about 7 a.m., lasting no longer than 30 minutes at a time. On Saturday, Feb. 18, the same closures will begin at 9:30 p.m. until 9 a.m. Sunday morning.
I-495 Inner Loop ramp to Route 7 Leesburg Pike, Exit 47B, will be closed Friday Feb. 17 starting at 10 p.m. until 7 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. It will close Saturday, Feb. 18 at 9:30 p.m. until Sunday, Feb. 19 at 9 a.m.
I-495 Inner Loop after Van Dorn Street, three lanes will close starting Friday, Feb. 17 at 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Saturday. At 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, the lanes will close again at 9:30 p.m. until 9 a.m.
Inner and Outer Loops from the Lewinsville Road overpass to the Old Dominion Overpass, three lanes will close starting Friday, Feb 17 at 10:30 p.m. with total temporary closures after midnight. On Saturday, Feb. 18, the closures begin at 10 p.m. until 9 a.m.
Inner and Outer Loops at Gallows Rd, Exit 51, three lanes will close Feb. 17 starting at 10:30 p.m. with total temporary closures after midnight until 7 a.m. Saturday. On Saturday, Feb. 18, closures begin at 10 p.m. with total temporary closures after midnight until 9 a.m. Sunday.
Here’s a complete list of VDOT closures.
11th Street Bridge ramp to M street SE
The exit ramp from the northbound 11th Street Bridge to M Street, SE and the Navy Yard will be closed overnight on Feb. 20, Feb. 21 and Feb. 22. Each night, motorists will encounter a single lane closure on the exit ramp starting at 8 p.m., followed by full closure of the ramp from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning. The scheduled closures will allow the DDOT to install an overhead sign structure at the exit ramp and complete underground utility work along the roadway.
During the ramp closure, signed detours will be posted.
Metro track work
Metro will work on the Orange and Red Lines this weekend.
The work will start at 10 p.m. Friday and continue through Monday’s closing.
Metro says buses will replace trains on the Orange Line between Rosslyn & Virginia Square.
Buses replace trains on the Red Line between Medical Center and White Flint.
George Washington Birthday Parade
On Feb. 20, see one of the country’s largest Presidents Day Parade in Old Town Alexandria through the streets where Washington once walked.
Spend the day exploring historic sites in Old Town Alexandria, the historic Virginia town that was an important port during the colonial, revolutionary and Civil War periods.
Alexandria’s Annual George Washington Classic 10K Race
On Feb. 18, get your running shoes laced up and celebrate George Washington’s Birthday at Alexandria’s Annual George Washington Classic 10K Race.
From Feb. 18 to Feb. 20, celebrate George Washington’s birthday with three days of special events at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens. Presidents Day weekend is a great time to explore the 500-acre estate and learn more about the life of the first president of the United States.
Grand Opening Ford’s Theatre Center for Education and Leadership
On Feb. 20, from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m, the Presidents Day event features an author talk by Tony Horwitz, writer of Midnight Rising and Confederates in the Attic, ranger talks, performances of Papa Day, Tales of the Lincoln with storyteller Jon Spelman and One Destiny and a behind-the-scenes look at the Center with an exhibit designer from Split Rock Studios. Visitors are welcome to see the center’s new exhibits and participate in workshops with the Education Department. Tickets will be available beginning at 8:30 a.m.
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