Smooth Morning Commute with Active Paving Operations in Wards 3 and 4

Thursday Traffic Overview

Commuters in the District are enjoying relatively clear conditions this morning, Thursday, March 5, 2026. Major arteries including I-395 and I-66 are currently moving at posted speeds, though typical early morning congestion is building near the 14th Street Bridge and along the New York Avenue corridor. While no major accidents have been reported as of 7:00 AM, drivers should remain alert for shifting work zones as several seasonal paving projects are in full swing across the city.

DDOT Roadwork and Paving Alerts

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has confirmed that its 2026 Paving Plan is active today. Heavy equipment and crews are scheduled at the following locations, which may cause lane narrows or temporary delays during off-peak hours:

• Ward 4: Ongoing paving operations on 16th Street NW between Colorado Avenue NW and Arkansas Avenue NW. Additional work is concentrated on Georgia Avenue NW between Aspen Street and Elder Street, as well as the stretch between Peabody Street and Quackenbos Street.
• Ward 3: Nebraska Avenue NW is seeing significant activity between Massachusetts Avenue NW and 39th Street NW, and also between Tenley Circle NW and Davenport Street NW.
• Alley Restorations: Citywide alley improvements continue, primarily affecting local parking and access in residential neighborhoods. Residents are advised to watch for "Emergency No Parking" signs, which are being strictly enforced to allow for paving vehicles.

Metrorail and Metrobus Service Updates

WMATA reports that rail services are operating on a regular weekday schedule with no systemic delays. However, several station-specific facility upgrades are affecting passenger flow and accessibility today:

• Navy Yard-Ballpark: The Half Street entrance remains closed for a long-term escalator replacement project. Commuters are directed to use the New Jersey Avenue entrance for all access to the Green Line.
• Mt Vernon Square: The elevator servicing the platform and mezzanine levels is currently out of service for rehabilitation. This work is expected to continue through early April; passengers requiring elevator access should plan for alternative stops.
• Rosslyn: Ongoing major capital projects involving the replacement of entrance and platform escalators are still underway. While the station remains fully operational, passengers should allow extra time to navigate the platforms during the morning rush.
• Bus Service: Metrobus is running at standard capacity, though local detours may be in effect in Wards 3 and 4 due to the active DDOT paving operations.

Safety and Weekend Outlook

Motorists are reminded of increased speed enforcement on I-66, particularly in the stretch underneath Virginia Avenue NW, where automated camera systems remain a high priority for local traffic safety. Looking ahead, travelers should prepare for significant closures starting Friday evening, March 6, in preparation for the FITDC HerStory 5K. These closures will primarily impact Pennsylvania Avenue and 13th Street NW through Saturday afternoon.