Major Delays Expected Near National Mall and I-395 This Friday

Commuter Alert: Heavy Congestion and Bridge Work

Washington D.C. commuters should prepare for significant travel disruptions today, Friday, January 23, 2026. A combination of a major national event and critical infrastructure projects is expected to impact both roadway and transit travel times throughout the capital.

National Mall and Downtown Traffic

The annual National March for Life Rally and Concert is taking place today, leading to significant road closures and bus detours. Heavy pedestrian activity is expected around the National Mall and surrounding streets. The following transit impacts are confirmed:

• Bus Detours: Metrobus routes including the D10 and D1X are under temporary detour in the downtown area. Riders are encouraged to check real-time tracking for the latest updates on service diversions.
• Escalator and Entrance Closures: The Half Street entrance at Navy Yard-Ballpark station remains closed for replacement work. Commuters should use the New Jersey Ave. SE entrance. Additionally, construction continues at the Judiciary Square north entrance and Rosslyn Station.

Artery and Bridge Roadworks

Major construction projects on key arteries will tighten lanes during the midday and evening hours. Key updates include:

• I-395 HOV Bridge: As part of the ongoing Rochambeau Memorial Bridge rehabilitation, the left lane HOV entrance ramp is scheduled for closure from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM today. This is necessary for concrete deck replacement work.
• Connecticut Avenue NW: Today marks the final scheduled day for temporary lane restrictions between the William Howard Taft Bridge and Kalorama Road. Expect residual slow-moving traffic in this corridor until work is cleared.
• I-295 and I-695: Pavement restoration continues on I-695 between 8th Street SE and Water Street SE, and on I-295 near the Maryland line. Motorists should look out for mobile work zones and merging delays.

Federal Status and Transit Outlook

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has announced that federal agencies in the D.C. area are open with normal operating procedures in effect. While the morning commute started on time, the afternoon peak is expected to be more congested than usual due to the rally crowds and a Winter Storm Watch issued for the region heading into the weekend. Commuters are advised to leave early and consider using Metrorail to bypass downtown surface gridlock.