Wreaths honoring fallen service members are arriving at Arlington National Cemetery this weekend.
About 75 tractor-trailers loaded with handmade balsam wreaths will arrive in the county starting on Friday in preparation for the event expected to draw several thousand volunteers.
Large crowds and heavy traffic are expected during the annual Wreaths Across America event on Saturday, which is one of two events bringing road closures to Arlington this weekend.
“We are honored to host Wreaths Across America Day 2024. This day provides visitors an opportunity to reflect on the importance of service and learn the stories of the men and women who fought for our country,” said Karen Durham-Aguilera, Executive Director of the Office of Army Cemeteries and Army National Military Cemeteries.
Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation. To avoid congestion at the Arlington Cemetery Metro station, however, organizers recommend exiting via the Rosslyn and Pentagon stations, both about a 15-minute walk away from the cemetery.
The following traffic restrictions are in effect from around 6 a.m.-2 p.m., according to a county traffic alert.
- Marshall Drive, between N. Meade Street and Route 110, will be closed and restricted to authorized traffic only.
- N. Meade Street will be closed from 14th Street N. to Marshall Drive, except for local residents.
- Columbia Pike will be closed from S. Joyce Street to Rotary Road and restricted to authorized traffic only.
- Northbound S. Eads Street, between 15th Street S. and 18th Street S. will be closed from 6:00 a.m. to 6:45 a.m.
- Additional road closures will be implemented in locations along I-395, the George Washington Parkway, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, and the Pentagon Reservation by the United States Park Police, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Police, and the Pentagon Force Protection Agency.
Drivers are reminded that parking on the shoulders of Route 110 and Washington Boulevard is strictly prohibited, and drivers cannot stop or stand in travel lanes to pick up passengers or let them out.
Nearby in Pentagon City this weekend, the following road closures will be in effect starting on Sunday for the Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell 5K.
- From around 6-11 a.m., the northbound lands of S. Joyce Street between 15th Street S. and Army Navy Drive
- From around 7:30 a.m.-11 a.m., Army Navy Drive between S. Joyce Street and 25th Street S., and southbound lanes of S. Joyce Street between 15th Street S. and Army Navy Drive
Motorists should be on the lookout for temporary “no parking” signs.
