Starting this weekend Metro is gonna eat you up and spit you out. AKA another major track improvement project. And to finish you off here’s a “Traffic Advisory: First Amendment Activities” AKA “Unite the Right” rally

From WMATA:

“Metro customers on the Orange, Silver and Blue lines are being reminded that a major track improvement project will significantly affect train service for 16 days, starting this weekend. Metro will work around the clock to rebuild track and tunnel infrastructure in the tightest curve in the system, located between McPherson Square and Smithsonian stations. On weekdays, trains will single track through the work zone at all times.

Customers who use these lines are strongly encouraged to use alternate transportation during the two work-weeks of the project. Orange and Silver lines will only run every 20 minutes–even at rush hour–and may not have room for all riders. Meanwhile, the Blue Line will operate in Virginia only, between Franconia-Springfield and Arlington Cemetery. Virginia customers traveling to DC should take the Yellow Line to Downtown stations.

On Saturday, August 11, and Sunday, August 12, Farragut West, McPherson Square, and Metro Center’s lower level will be closed. Limited shuttle bus service will replace trains between Foggy Bottom and Federal Triangle stations. Orange and Silver Line trains will operate every 12-15 minutes outside the shutdown area. (From Virginia, all Orange and Silver line trains will terminate at Foggy Bottom.) Blue Line trains will run between Franconia-Springfield and Arlington Cemetery only. All other stations (except for previously announced Red Line stations between NoMa-Gallaudet and Fort Totten) will be open.

During this period, Metro is also preparing for a planned “Unite the Right” rally and counter-demonstrations on Sunday afternoon near the White House, and is aware that many participants may be planning to take rail to the events.

The transit agency is working closely with law enforcement to prepare security options that place the highest priority on protecting Metro passengers, employees, and public safety – giving special consideration to the security challenges posed by railcar space constraints. Metro Transit Police are working closely with DC Metropolitan Police, which is the lead law enforcement agency for the events, as well as Virginia State Police, Fairfax County Police, the U.S. Secret Service and others.

All customers are reminded to abide by Metro rules, and note that prohibited items such as large coolers, combustible liquids, explosives, or any item inherently dangerous, will not be allowed on the system.

To be absolutely clear, Metro is not preparing a “special train” for the private use of any group. As with any ridership-generating event (e.g. large sporting events, concerts, Fourth of July celebrations, and many First Amendment demonstrations), Metro will be prepared to add trains as needed to address crowding if necessary. Should platform crowding become a concern at any particular station, Metro Transit Police may temporarily restrict access for safety reasons, as they do routinely during large events.”

From Alert DC:

“On Sunday, August 12, 2018, there will be several First Amendment Activities occurring within the District of Columbia. It is anticipated that there will be impacts to traffic that may include full road closures and rolling road closures based upon overall public safety considerations.

The expected area that will be impacted between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. will be:

· 15th Street, NW from Constitution Avenue to K Street, NW
· 17th Street, NW from Constitution Avenue to K Street, NW
· 18th Street, NW from E Street to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
· 19th Street, NW from E Street to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
· 20th Street, NW from E Street to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
· 21st Street, NW from E Street to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
· 22nd Street, NW from E Street to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
· 23rd Street, NW from Virginia Avenue to Washington Circle, NW
· H Street, NW from 17th Street to 15th Street, NW
· I Street, NW from 17th Street to 15th Street, NW
· K Street, NW from 17th Street to 15th Street, NW
· Connecticut Avenue, NW from H Street to I Street, NW
· Vermont Avenue, NW from H Street to I Street, NW
· G Street, NW from 17th Street to 23rd Street, NW
· F Street, NW from 17th Street to 23rd Street, NW
· E Street, NW from 17th Street to 23rd Street, NW

All street closures and listed times are subject to change based upon prevailing or unexpected conditions.

Additionally, the public should expect parking restrictions along the entire route and should be guided by the posted emergency no parking signage. All vehicles that are parked along the route and in violation of the emergency no parking signs will be ticketed and towed.

Motorists could encounter possible delays if operating in the vicinity of this event and may wish to consider alternative routes. The Metropolitan Police Department and the D.C. Department of Transportation also wishes to remind motorists in the vicinity of this event to proceed with caution as increased pedestrian traffic can be anticipated.”