Chinatown Closures and Metro Shuttles: Sunday Traffic Outlook

Chinatown Gridlock Expected for Chinese New Year Parade

Drivers should prepare for significant disruptions in the downtown area today, Sunday, February 22, 2026, as the District celebrates the Chinese New Year Parade. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has announced extensive road closures and parking restrictions in the Chinatown and Gallery Place neighborhoods to accommodate the event. Closures will begin as early as 9:00 a.m. and are expected to remain in effect until approximately 6:00 p.m.

The primary parade route and staging areas will impact the following major thoroughfares:

• H Street NW between 5th Street and 9th Street
• I Street NW between 5th Street and 9th Street
• 7th Street NW between F Street and Massachusetts Avenue
• 6th Street NW between F Street and Massachusetts Avenue
• G Street NW between 7th Street and 9th Street

Emergency 'No Parking' signs are strictly enforced, and any vehicles remaining in these zones will be ticketed and towed. Commuters are advised to avoid the immediate vicinity of the Capital One Arena and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library throughout the afternoon.

Blue and Yellow Line Service Disruptions

Metrorail riders heading toward Northern Virginia or Reagan National Airport (DCA) must account for the ongoing construction of the new entrance at Crystal City station. For the duration of the day, Crystal City station is closed to the public. To facilitate travel, WMATA is operating free shuttle buses to replace rail service between Pentagon City and National Airport stations.

Blue Line trains are currently running in two segments: between Franconia-Springfield and National Airport, and between Pentagon City and Downtown Largo. Similarly, Yellow Line trains are operating between Huntington and National Airport, and between Pentagon City and Greenbelt. Both lines are running at a reduced frequency of approximately every 12 minutes. Travelers heading to DCA should allow at least an additional 20 to 30 minutes for the shuttle bus transfer.

District Roadworks and Utility Repairs

Beyond the parade festivities, several long-term infrastructure projects continue to impact traffic flow across the District:

• 22nd Street NW: Emergency repairs remain underway following a major sewer pipe collapse. The southbound lanes between Massachusetts Avenue and P Street, and the northbound lanes between P and Q streets, are closed.
• Georgia Avenue NW: Motorists can expect delays between Girard Street and Howard Place due to ongoing roadway improvements.
• Independence Avenue SE: Westbound lanes near the 100 block (between 1st and 2nd Street) are subject to intermittent closures for utility repairs managed by Washington Gas.

With high pedestrian volume expected for the parade and the State of the Union security preparations beginning near the U.S. Capitol, motorists are urged to exercise caution and utilize public transit where possible.