Mayor Muriel Bowser outlines traffic and parking preparations for the upcoming Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C.
Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that Washington, D.C. is preparing for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, the first auto race ever held in the nation's capital. The event, which marks the United States Semiquincentennial, will take place on the weekend of August 22-23. To accommodate the race, the administration announced that significant road closures, parking restrictions, and traffic impacts will occur across the city. Road closures begin as early as this Saturday, with many more going into effect by August 14. Bud Denker, the race organizer, expects hundreds of thousands of people to attend the sold-out event. While the administration announced that the Metro is the best way to navigate the downtown area, Metrobus routes will face significant detours. The race is set to happen rain or shine, unless delayed by lightning. Bud Denker stated that cars will reach speeds of 185 mph on Pennsylvania Avenue.