Major Delays Expected Friday Due to Funeral Procession and Bridge Rehabilitation

Commuter Alert: Rolling Closures Scheduled for Friday Afternoon

Commuters in Washington D.C. should prepare for significant traffic disruptions this afternoon, Friday, February 20, 2026. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has announced a series of rolling closures to accommodate the funeral procession for DC Fire Department Battalion Chief Keith Long. These closures are expected to occur between 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., impacting several major arteries and residential streets.

The procession will affect the following key routes:

• Southern Avenue SE from Chesapeake Street to South Capitol Street.
• South Capitol Street from Southern Avenue to DC-295.
• Northbound DC-295 from South Capitol Street to I-695.
• Westbound I-695 from 295 to Maine Avenue SW.
• Independence Avenue SW and Maine Avenue SW.
• Rock Creek Parkway and Potomac Parkway NW.
• U Street NW and Vermont Avenue NW.

Motorists are advised to avoid these areas during the early afternoon or seek alternative routes such as the 14th Street Bridge or the Suitland Parkway to bypass the rolling blocks. Additionally, Emergency No Parking is in effect on Southern Avenue SE from Chesapeake Street to Bonini Road until 1:00 p.m.

Major Construction and Bridge Work

Significant delays continue on the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge (I-66), where capacity remains reduced from three lanes to two in each direction. The eastbound US Route 50 ramp from Arlington Boulevard is also closed as part of long-term rehabilitation efforts. Drivers are encouraged to use the Arlington Memorial Bridge or the Key Bridge as alternatives.

Other notable roadway impacts include:

• I-395 HOV Bridge: Ongoing concrete deck replacement is causing lane shifts and periodic narrowing in both directions.
• I-295/I-695 Paving: Maintenance work continues on I-295 northbound and southbound between I-695 and V Street SE.
• Georgia Avenue NW: Roadway projects are active between Girard Street and Howard Place, reducing available lanes.

Public Transit and Weather Impact

WMATA reports that the Half Street entrance at the Navy Yard-Ballpark station remains closed for escalator replacement. On the Green and Yellow lines, network issues may prevent real-time arrival information from appearing at stations between Greenbelt and Fort Totten. Furthermore, the Crystal City station is scheduled to close this evening for weekend construction work starting at 10:00 p.m.

Morning commuters should also account for wet pavement and reduced visibility. Early morning rain and lingering fog are expected to slow travel times across the District through the mid-morning hours.