Rolling Closures on Richmond Highway and Major Paving Alerts for Sunday, February 8

Significant Delays on Richmond Highway (Route 1) for Peace Walk

The most substantial traffic disruption in the D.C. metropolitan area this Sunday, February 8, 2026, stems from the "Walk for Peace" pilgrimage. Buddhist monks, who are nearing the conclusion of a 2,300-mile journey to the capital, are traversing Northern Virginia today with a full police escort.

• Route 1 Northbound: Expect full but temporary closures on Richmond Highway in Lorton near Furnace Road starting around 8:00 a.m.
• Fort Belvoir Impact: The procession is scheduled to arrive at the Hoa Nghiem Pagoda on Backlick Road around 10:00 a.m. for a peace ceremony and lunch. All northbound lanes will be impacted as the group moves through this corridor.
• Afternoon Movement: The walk will resume at 1:00 p.m., continuing north on Route 1 toward Sherwood Hall Lane. Motorists are strongly encouraged to use I-95 as an alternate route to avoid rolling blockages.

District Roadwork and Pavement Restoration

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has launched several major paving and restoration projects as of February 6. While active construction is typically minimal on Sundays, commuters should be alert for shifted lanes, temporary steel plates, and revised traffic patterns on the following arteries:

• Georgia Avenue NW: Pavement restoration is underway in two segments: from Howard Place NW to Euclid Street NW, and from Aspen Street NW to Elder Street NW.
• 16th Street NW: Significant roadway improvements continue between Colorado Avenue NW and Arkansas Avenue NW.
• Nebraska Avenue NW: Ongoing work between Massachusetts Avenue NW and 39th Street NW may restrict curb-side access and narrow available lanes.

Metrorail and Public Transit Updates

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is operating on a standard Sunday schedule, but several long-term capital projects require passenger attention today:

• Mt Vernon Square: The back elevator serving the platform and mezzanine levels is currently out of service for a rehabilitation project that began earlier this week. It is expected to remain offline through April.
• Silver Spring Station: Construction on the MDOT MTA Purple Line mezzanine continues. While Silver Spring remains open for Red Line and MARC service, passengers should follow updated wayfinding signs for station entry.
• Judiciary Square: Construction of the new north entrance canopy is active; however, no station closures are in effect today.

Event-Related Traffic Alerts

Expect localized congestion and heavy pedestrian traffic near the National Mall and downtown theater districts as several major winter events reach their final day of the season:

• F Street NW: The National Building Museum’s Winter Skate Spectacular concludes today, which will likely result in limited parking and higher vehicle volume near 4th and F Streets.
• 13th Street NW: Heavy traffic is expected near the Warner Theatre for the final performances of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.