TRAFFIC ALERT: Planned Road Closures for December 14-15, 2024

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Arlington County Police Department will conduct road closures to accommodate two upcoming events taking place during the weekend of Saturday, December 14^th - Sunday, December 15^th, 2024.

2024 Wreaths Across America

The annual Wreaths Across America escort of handmade, balsam wreaths destined for Arlington National Cemetery will begin arriving in Arlington County on Friday, December 13^th. The annual convoy of wreaths, originating in Maine and ending at Arlington National Cemetery, includes over 75 tractor trailers and numerous support vehicles that will reach the Cemetery at various times throughout the day.

On Saturday, December 14^th, several thousand volunteers will descend upon the Cemetery and help lay wreaths on every gravesite throughout the property beginning at 8:00 a.m. The public can anticipate large crowds and heavy pedestrian traffic related to the event. Traffic is expected to be impacted in and around the immediate area and motorists are advised to allot for extended travel times and seek alternate routes to reduce road congestion.

The Arlington County Police Department and its partnering law enforcement agencies will close roads and monitor traffic conditions in order to accommodate the event. Volunteers and the public should be aware of the following potential disruptions on Saturday, December 14^th, starting at 6:00 a.m. until approximately 2:00 p.m.:

• Marshall Drive, between N. Meade Street and Rt. 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.

Other roads not listed may be closed for short durations at the discretion of law enforcement and in the interest of public safety. Motorists are reminded that parking on the shoulders of Rt. 110 and Washington Boulevard is strictly prohibited.  Any vehicle that is left unattended will be towed at the owner’s expense. Stopping or standing in the travel lanes to discharge or pick up passengers is also prohibited, and police officers will be patrolling along Rt. 110 and Washington Boulevard to address observed violations of applicable traffic laws.

Arriving at Arlington National Cemetery

Attendees are encouraged to utilize multimodal and public transportation options to reduce vehicular congestion. A designated rideshare drop-off and pick-up zones has been established at the Hayes Lot in Pentagon City, located at 880 Army Navy Drive.

Additional Information

Volunteers and attendees seeking additional information should visit the Arlington National Cemetery website.

 

2024 Jingle Bell 5K

The Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell 5k Run will be held Sunday, December 15^th, 2024, beginning at 8:00 a.m. The Arlington County Police Department will conduct the following road closures in order to accommodate the event:

From approximately 6:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

•Northbound lanes of S. Joyce Street, between 15th Street S. and Army Navy Drive

From approximately 7:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

•Army Navy Drive, between S. Joyce Street and 25th Street S.
•Southbound lanes of S. Joyce Street, between 15th Street S. and Army Navy Drive

The public should expect to see an increased police presence in the area, and motorists are urged to follow law enforcement direction, be mindful of closures, and remain alert for increased pedestrian traffic. Additionally, other closures not mentioned above may be implemented at police discretion in the interest of public safety.

Traffic in the area is expected to be impacted, and motorists are reminded to anticipate extended travel times and seek alternate routes to reduce road congestion. Race attendees and spectators are encouraged to use the Metro (the Pentagon City station, on the Blue and Yellow Lines, is located near the racecourse) or other forms of multimodal transportation, as street parking around the event will be limited. Paid parking is available at the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City garage for those choosing to drive.

Motorists should be on the lookout for temporary “No Parking” signs. Illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed or towed. If your vehicle is towed, please use the online portal to find out the status of your vehicle and where it is located. The online portal is updated in real time. If you cannot locate your vehicle or need additional support using the online portal, call the County non-emergency number at 703-558-2222.

 

Media Contact

Communications Specialist II
Kiyah Daniell
703-228-4370

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