Post-Inauguration Cleanup and Arctic Blast: Major Delays on I-395 and Downtown Arteries

Morning Commute Overview

Commuters across the District are facing a challenging Thursday morning as the region continues to transition out of the 60th Presidential Inauguration security posture. While many downtown streets have begun to reopen, residual congestion and heavy equipment associated with the event cleanup are creating significant bottlenecks. Compounding these issues is an arriving arctic blast, with local meteorologists issuing a Winter Storm Watch for the coming weekend, prompting early salt-treatment operations on major thoroughfares.

Major Roadwork and Artery Restrictions

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has confirmed several significant construction projects that are heavily impacting traffic flow today, Thursday, January 22, 2026:

• I-395 HOV Bridge: The ongoing rehabilitation project on the I-395 HOV Bridge continues through January 23. Concrete deck replacement is currently underway on both northbound and southbound lanes, causing significant merging delays for those commuting between Virginia and the District.
• Connecticut Avenue NW: A temporary lane closure remains in effect on Connecticut Avenue NW from the William Howard Taft Bridge (South) to Kalorama Road. This work is scheduled to conclude tomorrow, but current congestion is backed up to Dupont Circle.
• Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway: Lane closures that began earlier this week continue to impact the Parkway NW, significantly slowing the northbound flow during the morning rush.
• Dalecarlia Parkway NW: Weekday lane closures for utility and infrastructure work are creating localized delays for commuters entering the city from the northwest.

Inauguration Cleanup and Parking Alerts

Today marks the final day for many "Emergency No Parking" zones established for the inauguration. However, drivers should remain vigilant as crews remove fencing and barriers throughout the downtown core. The perimeter bounded by K Street NW and Independence Avenue remains slow as heavy trucks transport materials away from the National Mall. Expect intermittent stoppages on 14th Street and 12th Street as equipment is demobilized.

Public Transit and Metro Updates

WMATA has returned to most regular weekday service levels, but several infrastructure projects are still affecting station access:

• Navy Yard-Ballpark: The Half Street entrance remains closed for a major escalator replacement project. Commuters are directed to use the New Jersey Avenue SE entrance.
• New Carrollton Station: The elevator servicing the mezzanine and street level on the Ellin Road side is out of service for rehabilitation.
• Shady Grove: Bus shelters A and B at the East bus loop are closed for relocation. Passengers should use the temporary stops T1 and T2.

Evening Outlook

As temperatures drop due to the arctic blast, the evening commute is expected to be slower than usual. With a major winter storm predicted for Saturday, DDOT crews may begin pre-treating bridges and overpasses this evening. Commuters are encouraged to leave early and utilize the Metro system to avoid the anticipated gridlock on the I-95 and I-395 corridors.