photo via National Mall NPS
NPS writes: “For security & visitor safety, temporary fencing is going up around some Mall areas as we get ready for the July 4th celebration. Along the Reflecting Pool, thousands of fireworks are carefully being prepared. Please do not disturb this delicate work.”
The U.S. Capitol Police writes:
“On Tuesday, July 4, A Capitol Fourth, an Independence Day concert will be broadcast live from the West Front of the United States Capitol on PBS at 8:00 p.m. EST and streaming online to honor our country’s birthday. There is also a dress rehearsal on July 3. Both events are free and open to the public.
On July 3 and July 4, public access to the West Front opens at 3:00 p.m.
Prohibited Items, Security Measures, and Severe Weather
The U.S. Capitol Police and concert staff closely monitor the weather. Any changes due to severe weather will be announced to the public via USCP’s official social media sites and local press. Please follow the directions of the U.S. Capitol Police if there is an evacuation.
Additional security will be in place to ensure everyone’s safety. Anyone attending events on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol must go through security screening before entering the area. This will include a search of all bags, coolers, backpacks, and closed containers.
For this event, food items and beach/camp chairs that sit low to the ground are allowed. Guests are encouraged to bring their own water.
The following items are prohibited. (Other items also may be prohibited at discretion of security screeners.)
Alcoholic Beverages
Glass Bottles
Animals (other than service animals)
Bicycles and Motorized Scooters of any kind (Devices required for accessibility (ADA) will be accommodated.)
Firearms and Ammunitions (either real or simulated)
Explosives of any kind, including Fireworks
Knives, Blades or Sharp Objects of any length
Laser Pointers, Signs, Posters
Mace, Pepper Spray,
Sticks, Poles
Electric Stun Guns
Martial Arts Weapons or devices
Umbrellas larger 36” in diameter (Umbrellas smaller than 36” will be allowed.)
Pocket or Hand Tools such as a “Leatherman”
Sealed Packages, Large boxes, Duffle bags, Suitcases
Drones, Model rockets, Remote or Manually-controlled Model Gliders, Model Airplanes or Unmanned Aircrafts, Model Boats and/or Cars, and other unmanned ground or aircraft systems.
Traffic Restrictions, Road Closures, and Parking Impacts
Traffic restrictions, road closures and parking impacts will be in effect from Saturday, July 1, through Saturday, July 8.
For more information about the broadcast of A Capitol Fourth, please visit https://www.pbs.org/a-capitol-fourth/.
Saturday, July 1 at 8:00 p.m. – Wednesday, July 5 at 4:00 a.m.
Road Closures and Parking Restrictions
First Street between Constitution Avenue, NW, and Independence Avenue, SW
Pennsylvania Avenue between Third Street, NW, and First Street, NW
Maryland Avenue between Third Street, SW, and First Street, SW
Tour Bus Traffic Restriction
Tour buses will be rerouted to Union Station
Wednesday, June 21 – Saturday, July 1
Road Closure
First Street between Peace Circle, NW, and Garfield Circle, SW, will have the following restrictions:
One way traffic Northbound from 6:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
One way traffic Southbound from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.
Wednesday, July 5 at 4:00 a.m. – Saturday, July 8 at 8:00 p.m.
Road Closure
First Street between Peace Circle, NW, and Garfield Circle, SW, will have the following restrictions:
One way traffic Northbound from 6:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
One way traffic Southbound from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.
Monday, July 3, and Tuesday, July 4, between 3:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
ADA Parking
Both sides of Louisiana Avenue between Constitution Avenue, NW, and First Street, NW
Both sides of First Street between Constitution Avenue, NW, and Louisiana Avenue, NW
All road closures are expected to open on Saturday, July 8 at approximately 8:00 p.m.”