WASHINGTON - WTOP will be following Monday's inaugural events as they unfold, with up-to-the-minute information on what is happening and how it could affect you.

We'll be following traffic, public transit and road closures as they happen to help you get around town. Make sure to check back frequently for the most useful information.

Not braving D.C. to see the events firsthand? We've got you covered. Click here to follow a live blog of the days events in real-time.

For frequently asked questions, check out WTOP's Inauguration Day survival guide.

Forecast:

The chilly day began with temps hovering around 30 degrees. The sun was expected to warm things up into the 40s through the morning.

But an arctic chill will begin moving into the area this afternoon when temperatures are expected to begin dropping. A possible snow flurry could come late into the afternoon followed by cold, blustery winds.

Temperatures will steadily drop beginning at 5 p.m., along with cold gusts of wind. It will feel like it's in the high teens overnight.

Traffic, Transit and Parking:

7:18 p.m.:

All street closures remain in effect in and around Downtown D.C. That includes the 3rd Street, 12th Street and 9th Street tunnel closures.

Archives and Smithsonian Metro stations have reopened completely and are operating normally.

6:45 p.m.:

Heading to the Convention Center for the official inaugural balls tonight? Metro suggests using the Gallery Place station. Then walk four blocks north along 7th Street to M Street.

The Mt. Vernon Square/Convention Center station is closed today.

Metro rush hour service continues until 9 p.m. tonight. Closing time is 2 a.m.

In Springfield, Va., there is still a line of cars waiting to get out of the Franconia-Springfield garage, according to WTOP's Hank Silverberg.

However, Fairfax County police say that the backups there have cleared.

ONGOING: Metro reminds parkers that the one-day pass does not include parking. Add money to your SmarTrip card at the station or pay with a credit card at the garage.

5:52 p.m.:

Fairfax County police say that officers are on scene at Frontier Drive. The backup was due to people paying to get out of the garage.

Gallery Place has smaller than normal crowds now.

Metro riders wearing tuxes, gowns and uniforms are starting to filter in.

5:20 p.m.: Metro reports about 538,000 riders have traveled on the Metrorail system today. That's about two-thirds of the 807,000 trips as of the same time on Inauguration Day 2009.

Reminder to motorists: 3rd Street, 9th Street, and 12th Street tunnels remain closed.

5:05 p.m.:

Fairfax County motorcycle police are en route to the traffic back ups on Frontier Road near the Franconia-Springfield Metro station.

Motorists stuck in the traffic say they've been waiting for more than an hour.

D.C. Police report that all major roadways and bridges in the area are running smoothly.

ONGOING: Metro reminds parkers that the one-day pass does not include parking. Add money to your SmarTrip card at the station or pay with a credit card at the garage.

4:41 p.m.:

Metro Center station is crowded on the Red line, but less so on the Blue and Orange lines as the parade winds down, according to WTOP'S Hank Silverberg.

Traffic is backed up along Frontier Road near Metro's Franconia-Springfield station.

4:34 p.m.: Now that the president and Mrs. Obama have made it to their viewing stand, many are leaving the parade route. Let the rush home begin — take two.

And for those leaving early, WTOP's Megan Cloherty reports that Farragut North Metro station is still jammed.

Metro reminds parkers that the one-day pass does not include parking. Add money to your SmarTrip card at the station or pay with a credit card at the garage.

3:30 p.m.:

Metro reports that delays along the Orange, Blue and Red lines have cleared.

WTOP's Megan Cloherty reports that Farragut North is still very packed outside.

3:02 p.m.:

Metro Center station is now open to Metro passengers.

Foggy Bottom, Federal Center SW and L'Enfant Plaza stations have also re-opened.

ONGOING: Expect ongoing delays along Blue and Orange lines headed toward Virginia A train was disabled earlier due to a medical emergency outside of Rosslyn but has cleared.

2:54 p.m.:

The Smithsonian Metro station on the National Mall will reopen at 3 p.m. Use the 12th and Independence Avenue entrance.

Riders will only be able to board trains. No trains will unload passengers at the station.

2:36 p.m.:

L'Enfant Plaza, Federal Center SW and Foggy Bottom stations reopen. Metro Center remains closed.

Single-tracking along the Orange and Blue lines has ended but expect residual delays heading into Virginia.

Maryland Beltway ramps to the Greenbelt Metro station have re-opened.

2:25 p.m.:

Avoid lines at the 4th Street Judiciary Square entrance by walking to the other side. WTOP's Max Smith reports there is no line.

2:20 p.m.:

Foggy Bottom and Metro Center Metro stations are now closed due to overcrowding.

Use the Yellow line as an alternate route to Blue line stations in Virginia from L'Enfant Plaza. (Of course, that's if you managed to get into L'Enfant Plaza before it closed.)

ONGOING: Significant delays along the Blue and Orange lines toward Virginia. Also, L'Enfant Plaza and Federal Center SW remain closed.

Thick crowds and long lines of parade-goers are reported at 12th and E streets.

2:08 p.m.:

Don't forget to load enough money onto your SmarTrip card to pay for parking. Commemorative passes cannot be used to pay for parking unless you add value to them.

Credit cards are accepted to pay for parking at Metro garages and lots.

2:00 p.m.:

L'Enfant Plaza and Federal Center SW Metro stations are closed because of overcrowding.

Riders should walk to Federal Triangle as an alternative to Federal Center.

1:57 p.m.:

Crowds are gathering at the 14th Street security checkpoint to enter the parade route.

1:46 p.m.:

Blue and Orange lines: Metro outbound trains headed toward Vienna and Franconia-Springfield are delayed due to a disabled train outside of Rosslyn. Metro suggests delaying your trip.

1:43 p.m.:

Metro suggests riders choose their station carefully to avoid transfers.

1:32 p.m.:

L'Enfant Plaza Metro station continues to experience heavy crowds at 7th and Maryland Avenue. Metro suggests using a different entrance or delaying your return trip.

1:25 p.m.:

The problems on the Red and Orange line have been solved, Metro says. However, high volume is causing lines at Judiciary Square. It's recommended you use Farragut North instead.

1:00 p.m.:

Heavy crowds and some lines are being reported at Metro stations around the Mall. Metro suggests walking to a station on the same line as where you're parking to avoid transferring.

12:50 p.m.:

Reminder: Everyone leaving the Mall needs to exit north onto Constitution and continue west to the left.

At L'Enfant Plaza: 7th and Maryland entrance is experiencing heavy crowds. Use other entrances or delay your return to the station.

12:45 p.m.:

The long trek begins for everyone who is leaving after the ceremony, those who are headed to the parade and those who are stationed on the parade route waiting for the show.

Traffic remains holiday-like on the major roadways, but some delays have been reported on Metro.

Expect some delays on the Red line toward Glenmont and the Orange line toward New Carollton, due to a signal problem, Metro says.

12:20 p.m.:

Red Line: Expect delays to Glenmont due to a track problem outside Van Ness.

Metro says it is preparing for increased use as swearing in events come to an end.

11:40 a.m.:

When you leave the Mall, you must head exit north to Constitution Avenue and west (left) along Constitution Avenue. Once you leave, you can't get back in.

11:35 a.m.:

The National Mall is now full and closed. All visitors not on the Mall should head to the overflow area at the Washington Monument.

11:30 a.m.:

At the Orange Gate at 1st and Louisiana is moving again. There are still long lines. The delay was due to a motorcade moving through the area.

National Mall from 4th to 12th streets are now closed. Visitors should re-route to Washington Monument. The screen is on for viewing of ceremony.

L'Enfant Plaza Metro station is now open after being temporarily closed due to overcrowding.

Parking lots are full at the following Metro stations: East Falls Church, Fort Totten, Van Dorn, Rhode Island Ave, Franconia-Sprfld and Greenbelt.

Parking lots are 90 percent full at Dunn Loring, Branch Avenue, West Falls Church and Largo.

10:55 a.m.:

WTOP is getting reports of problems at Orange Gate at 1st Street and Louisiana NW, people are reporting they've been waiting for some time to enter the National Mall for the swearing in. We're making calls to find out what's happening.

Congestion and crowding at Federal Center Metro station has eased considerably as of 10:45 a.m., Metro reports.

Parade route security is backed up at 7th and D Street and 7th and Indiana, says the Secret Service.

At the request of Secret Service, Metro is closing the exit at 7th and D from L'Enfant.

Parade route security is open and clear at 10th, 12th, 13th and E streets.

10:40 a.m.:

Metro says crowds continue to be heavy at Federal Center Metro station. Use L'Enfant instead.

All other stations are operating smoothly.

As of 10 a.m.m, 266,000 people had entered the Metro system, about half as many as the same time four years ago.

10 a.m.:

Nearly 200,000 people have used Metro Monday morning, about half as many as in the same period for Obama's first inauguration in 2009.

Seven Metro station parking lots have reached capacity: Greenbelt, Vienna south lot, Rhode Island Avenue, Franconia-Springfield, East Falls Church, Fort Totten and Van Dorn.

Two others are nearing full capacity, Metro says: Shady Grove and the rest of Vienna.

At Federal Center SW Metro station, it's 'exit' only. No one can get in there due to overcrowding. Added, trains are bypassing the station intermittently due to crowding, says Metro.

Crowding has been reported at Judiciary Square, as well.

Non-ticketed, public viewing areas on the National Mall east of 7th Street are now full and closed.

If you are heading to the Mall, you can still get a spot from 9th and Constitution, 12th and Constitution and 12th and Independence.

ONGOING: Escalators have been shut down in many of the busier stations to help with crowd control.

Metro reminds bus riders that because of street closures, there may be Metrobus delays and detours, so plan accordingly.

Stay safe: Once on board, move the center of the Metro train to allow others to board. Also, Metro doors are not like elevator doors - they do not open if you stick your hand in, so don't do that.

9:35 a.m.:

Non-ticketed, public viewing areas on the National Mall east of 7th Street are now full and closed.

If you are heading to the Mall, you can still get a spot from 9th and Constitution, 12th and Constitution and 12th and Independence.

At Federal Center SW Metro station, it's 'exit' only. No one can get in there due to overcrowding.

ONGOING: Escalators have been shut down in many of the busier stations to help with crowd control.

Metro reminds bus riders that because of street closures, there may be Metrobus delays and detours, so plan accordingly.

Stay safe: Once on board, move the center of the Metro train to allow others to board. Also, Metro doors are not like elevator doors - they do not open if you stick your hand in, so don't do that.

9:20 a.m.:

7 Metro station parking lots full at this time: Greenbelt, Vienna south lot, Rhode Island Avenue, Franconia-Springfield, East Falls Church, Fort Totten and Van Dorn.

Trains are bypassing Federal Center SW due to crowded platforms. Officials remind travelers this station should ONLY be used by people with inauguration tickets.

Crowding has been reported at Judiciary Square, as well.

Folks are still filing through security checkpoints on the parade route, but lines are backing up at 12th and E Street NW, north of Pennsylvania Ave. 10th and E Street NW has a shorter line, according to the Secret Service.

ONGOING: Escalators have been shut down in many of the busier stations to help with crowd control.

On some Metro lines, standing room only is reported. Usually the first and last cars have the most open space.

Metro reminds bus riders that because of street closures, there may be Metrobus delays and detours, so plan accordingly.

Stay safe: Once on board, move the center of the Metro train to allow others to board. Also, Metro doors are not like elevator doors - they do not open if you stick your hand in, so don't do that.

No HOV enforcement on 66 today.

Some reports have come in that wireless service may be difficult on the National Mall.

8:45 a.m.:

Metro trains are currently bypassing Federal Center SW due to crowded platforms. A reminder: This station should ONLY be used by people with inauguration tickets.

Also, no HOV enforcement on 66 today.

Crowds are nothing like they were four years ago, officials say. There is still a lot of room along the parade route.

Some reports coming in that wireless use is becoming difficult on the Mall.

8:35 a.m.:

5 Metro station parking lots full at this time:

Metro says the parking lots at Rhode Island Avenue and Franconia-Springfield are both full.

Also full, the parking lots at East Falls Church, Fort Totten and Van Dorn.

Federal Center and Judiciary Square stations are both extremely crowded and Metro says to avoid using these stations if possible.

ONGOING: Escalators have been shut down in many of the busier stations to help with crowd control.

On some Metro lines, standing room only is reported. Usually the first and last cars have the most open space.

8:20 a.m.:

The following Metro stations have reached full parking capacity: East Falls Church, Fort Totten and Van Dorn.

End-of-line station parking lots are filling up, a Metro spokesperson says.

Platform crowding has been reported at Federal Center and Judiciary Square and a Metro spokesman says folks should avoid those stations if possible.

As of 8 a.m., 113,000 people have entered the Metro system.

Lines are slow at security checkpoints, but moving.

ONGOING: Escalators have been shut down in many of the busier stations to help with crowd control.

On some lines, standing room only is reported. Usually the first and last cars have the most open space.

There is still plenty of room on the National Mall, but crowds are beginning to move in.

8 a.m.:

Warning to Metro riders: Escalators have been shut down in many of the busier stations to help with crowd control.

Parking is still available at many end-of-line stations, although traffic getting in is beginning to thicken.

Metro parking lots nearly full: Van Dorn, East Falls Church and Fort Totten.

The major roads are clear driving in, but reports coming in that there is little to no parking downtown, so officials continue to advise Metro is the best bet.

On some lines, standing room only is reported. Usually the first and last cars have the most open space.

There is still plenty of room on the National Mall, but crowds are beginning to move in.

7:45 a.m.:

Metro requests only customers with Inaugural tickets use the Federal Center SW station due extremely heavy traffic.

Metro tip: Front and rear cars tend to be the least crowded.

Metro says parking lots at end-of-line stations are still open and not at full capacity. However, traffic entering these lots is slow.

7:30 a.m.:

No Metro lots are full at this point, although all end-of-line station lots are about 70 percent near capacity, save Glenmont and Huntington, which are not quite 50 percent full.

Metro says 89,000 riders have used the service so far.

7:20 a.m.:

Metro says parking at most end-of-line stations is about 70 percent full, except Glenmont and Huntington, which are about 40 percent capacity.

6:50 a.m.:

Greenbelt Metro station is about 75 percent full, traffic in the lots is increasing as well as volume driving into the lots.

Reports continue to come in of long lines at security checkpoints.

6:15 a.m.:

Metro parking update: Vienna, Franconia-Springfield, Shady Grove, Greenbelt and New Carrollton now about 40 percent full.

Largo, Branch Av, Huntington at about 25 percent.

6:10 a.m.:

Escalators at certain busy Metro stations will be intentionally stopped on Monday for crowd control, says Metro's Dan Stessel. Metro Center and L'Enfant are among them.

6 a.m.:

Metro's Dan Stessel says Metro ridership is about half has busy as compared to this time four years ago.

5:30 a.m.:

Hours before Inauguration Day dawns, the city is alive with large groups of people seen headed to Metro stations across the area. WTOP reporter Neal Augenstein says a line has formed at the Vienna Metro station by 5 a.m.

Escalators reported down at Metro Center and Gallery Place are back up and running.

Follow @WTOP on Twitter.

(Copyright 2013 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

Dave Dildine, wtop.com

View inauguration_gmap.kml in a larger map

WASHINGTON - A large migration to the nation's capital will peak this weekend as the final preparations for the 57th Presidential Inauguration are rushed to completion.

Downtown streets will close, Metro will adopt a nonstop rush hour schedule and city bus routes will change as locals and visitors descend on Washington D.C. for President Barack Obama's second inauguration.

Travel into and through downtown Washington will become increasingly difficult as the weekend progresses. Those planning to attend the inauguration on Monday morning are strongly encouraged to use public transportation.

Driving and Road Restrictions

Street closures in downtown Washington will go into effect before dawn on Monday morning. All streets near the National Mall will be closed. In general, vehicles will be prohibited on streets from north of Lafayette Park to south of the National Mall as well as east to Capitol Hill and Union Station.

Vehicle restrictions across a broader portion of downtown, including parts of Chinatown and the West End, will be implemented on Sunday and will last until early Tuesday morning.

From Virginia, inbound drivers on Interstate 66 will be directed onto the northbound Potomac River Freeway toward Pennsylvania Avenue and Virginia Avenue. The Memorial Bridge will be closed to vehicular travel, but pedestrians will be allowed to cross the bridge. On Interstate 395, northbound drivers will be able to continue onto the Southwest Freeway, but the ramps to 14th Street, the 12th Street Expressway and the 3rd Street Tunnel will all be closed.

The 3rd Street Tunnel (I-395) will be closed in both directions between New York Avenue NW and the Southeast/Southwest Freeway.

Travelers headed into upper Northwest and Northeast Washington may find the trip less complicated. The Key Bridge and Chain Bridge will remain open. All Anacostia River bridges will remain open.

From Maryland, all routes into the city will be open.

HOV restrictions will be lifted around the region on Monday.

Travelers who are planning on driving in the city this weekend should stay alert as they approach crosswalks. There will be plenty of pedestrians and cyclists out and about visiting the local attractions on Saturday and Sunday, along with huge crowds walking and biking to and from the National Mall on Monday.

Besides the abnormal morning rush hour, traffic on routes outside the city should remain light, as Monday is a federal holiday.

For more information and a list of specific road closures and transit changes, see WTOP's Inauguration Day survival guide.

Metrorail

Metrorail will operate on a regular weekend schedule on Saturday and Sunday. On Inauguration Day, Metro plans to provide nonstop rush hour service from 4 a.m. until 2 a.m. Tuesday morning.

Be prepared for heavy traffic near the outermost Metro station parking lots beginning early Monday morning. Some parking areas may fill to capacity quickly. Metro will enforce normal weekday parking fees at all parking facilities.

Passengers planning to ride Metro on Monday may want to consider purchasing a farecard in advance. Expect long lines at ticketing kiosks and large crowds on station platforms. Officials may intermittently stop customers at the entrances to some stations to prevent overcrowding on the station platforms. Escalators at some stations may be intentionally disabled to promote the flow of customers to and from the gates.

For security purposes, the Smithsonian, Archives and Mt. Vernon Square stations will be closed all day.

The Metro stations closest to The Mall will be the most crowded before and especially after the ceremony and parades conclude. L'Enfant Plaza will likely be among the most crowded stations on Monday.

To maximize space, bicycles and large coolers and containers will be prohibited on Metro trains throughout the long weekend.

Downtown Metro bus routes have been shortened or rerouted around the street closures near the National Mall. The Circulator bus will not be running on Monday, Jan. 21, but regular service will resume on Tuesday, January 22. Customers who wish to travel through downtown areas should use Metrorail to complete their trip.

Travel by Plane and Train

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) expects the largest crowds at Reagan National Airport and Dulles International Airport on Tuesday, the day after Inauguration Day. Passengers with outgoing flights should arrive at the airport two to four hours before their departure time.

In Maryland, MARC trains will operate on a special Inauguration Day fare and train schedule. Tickets are limited. Regular MARC tickets will not be accepted.

In Virginia, there will be no VRE service on Monday.

For more, see Max Smith's tips for plane and train travel on Inauguration Day.

Other Events

There are many celebrations set to take place around the city this weekend that could lead to localized delays.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday is celebrated on Monday. Expect a great deal of foot traffic along Independence Avenue near the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial as visitors pay tribute to the civil rights leader. A parade and peace walk will step off from Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE and Milwaukee Place SE on Saturday at 11 a.m. On Sunday evening, the "Let Freedom Ring" concert featuring Smokey Robinson and the Let Freedom Ring Celebration Choir will take place at the Kennedy Center.

Several balls and galas will take place around the city this weekend. The official Inaugural Ball will take place Monday evening at the DC Convention Center. Expect crowds and congestion near the venue. Those with tickets should remember that the Mt. Vernon Square Metro station is scheduled to be closed on Monday.

For more, see Michelle Basch's Friday Freebies.

Weather

The WTOP Weather Team is forecasting the mercury to begin dropping late Sunday as a cold front sweeps through the region. Early morning temperatures on Inauguration Day will likely be in the 20s and will only rise to the mid-30s by noon. A few snow showers or flurries are possible, but no significant accumulation is expected. If people are headed downtown, they should dress warmly, in layers.

Follow @WTOP on Twitter.

(Copyright 2013 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

Dave Dildine, wtop.com

WASHINGTON - Soaring temperatures will coax many people onto the roads this weekend. Luckily, a light work zone docket will keep most weekenders moving speedily on routes around town.

With the reprieve from winter-like temperatures likely bringing some residents out of hibernation, Metro cautions for delays on portions of the Red, Blue and Green lines.

Preparations for the Presidential Inauguration will be underway this weekend near the National Mall. Be prepared for street closures and parking restrictions between the Capitol and Federal Triangle Sunday morning for the Inaugural Parade dress rehearsal.

Metrorail Track Work

Early Sunday afternoon, participants of The No Pants Subway Ride 2013 will be riding the Metrorail system pants free, traveling between Metro Center, Chinatown, and L'Enfant Metro Stations.

Track work will affect riders on the Red, Blue and Green lines this weekend. There is no work scheduled for the Orange and Yellow lines.

Blue Line tracks will be out-of-service between Pentagon and Rosslyn. The Arlington Cemetery station will be closed. A free shuttle bus will ferry customers between Pentagon and Rosslyn, with an intermediate stop at Arlington Cemetery. The detour will require about 20 minutes of additional travel time. Passengers traveling between Virginia and Washington who are not headed to Arlington Cemetery should consider using the Yellow Line between L'Enfant Plaza and the Pentagon.

• Buses replace trains between the Rosslyn and Pentagon stations
• Arlington Cemetary station closed
• Passengers on bus detour should allow 20 minutes of additional travel time
• No delays expected on Blue Line outside the work zone

The Red Line will single track in two segments: between Friendship Heights and Van Ness and between Rhode Island Avenue and Fort Totten. Trains on the Red Line will operate every 24 minutes but Metro will run supplemental trains through the city during the daytime hours, boosting service to an average of 12-minute- intervals between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

• Single tracking between Friendship Heights and Van Ness
• Single tracking between Rhode Island Avenue and Fort Totten
• Allow 15 minutes of additional travel time

The train testing continues on the Green Line between College Park and Greenbelt.

• On Sunday, every other train will stop at College Park, rather than Greenbelt from mid-morning until early evening
• Green Line trains will run on a normal schedule between College Park and Branch Avenue
• Allow about 10 minutes of additional travel time

Inaugural Practice Parade

Instead of battling the inaugural crowds next week, some parade-goers will gravitate to the practice run Sunday morning. Do not expect to be able to park in close proximity to the rehearsal. Street closures and parking restrictions will go into effect on and near the parade route as early as 5:00 a.m. The activity is expected to last until 1:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon.

Street Closures

• Constitution Avenue from 1st Street NE to 6th Street NW
• Pennsylvania Avenue from 3rd Street NW to 15th Street NW
• Pennsylvania Avenue from 17th Street NW to 19th Street NW
• 15th Street from I Street NW south to Independence Avenue SW

Parking Restrictions

• Constitution Avenue from 1st Street NE to 6th Street NW
• Pennsylvania Avenue from 3rd Street NW to 15th Street NW
• Pennsylvania Avenue from 17th Street NW to 19th Street NW
• 15th Street from I Street NW south to Independence Avenue SW

Other Events

Howard University will host the centennial celebration of Delta Sigma Theta. An estimated 12,000 Deltas are expected to flock to Howard University. Although there are no street closures associated with the various planned activities, traffic on Georgia and Florida avenues may be heavier than usual at times throughout the weekend.

Road Construction

Late Sunday night, all lanes on the outer loop of the Capital Beltway are scheduled to be blocked in Virginia at Route 50/Arlington Boulevard for repair work. Traffic south of I-66 will be directed onto the Route 50 service road to bypass the work zone.

Follow @WTOPtraffic and @WTOP on Twitter.

(Copyright 2013 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

UPDATE: Tuesday - 1/8/2013, 7:58pm ET - The Key Bridge has reopened to traffic in both directions.

Tuesday - 1/8/2013, 7:36pm ET - WASHINGTON - A man clinging to the rails along the Key Bridge shut down a major thoroughfare between the District and Virginia during the afternoon rush hour Tuesday.

Police were concerned the man would jump into the Potomac River and say they were negotiating with him.

The bridge closed to all traffic about 4:30 p.m. and remains closed to both inbound and outbound traffic.

The closure has created gridlock throughout Northwest D.C. stretching west of 17th Street, south of Massachusetts Avenue and east of the Chain Bridge, according to the WTOP Traffic Center.

The George Washington Parkway and Interstate 66 are also experiencing delays.

The Roosevelt, Memorial and 14th Street bridges are picking up overflow traffic but the lanes are open and traffic is moving.

Metro reported through its Twitter account that buses were experiencing heavy delays in both directions because of the bridge closure.

The evening commute was further complicated by service delays along the Orange and Blue lines because of a disabled train at the Rosslyn station.

Here's a sample of what commuters encountered this evening:

I should have gone to happy hour. Been in traffic for 45 mins - still Gtown. RT @wtop: Many commuters are stuck in the Key Bridge closure.

— Jen Krupey (@krupey) January 8, 2013

@wtop There's a car stalled at the corner of Canal & Az. Not helping! #justtryingtogethome

— Paula Hyden (@PaulaHyden1) January 9, 2013

#LIVE _"@loreshank: This is #Mstreet in #dc and #newhampshire it's a #mess @drgridlock @wtop twitter.com/LoreShank/stat…"

— anonymous017 (@yesimorganic) January 8, 2013

@wtop Canal Rd outbound around Arizona Ave still at complete standstill. No movement for an hour. Any traffic police anywhere?

— Holger A. Kray (@krayberry) January 9, 2013

WTOP's Bob Marbourg contributed to this report. Follow @WTOPtraffic and @WTOP on Twitter.

(Copyright 2013 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

Dave Dildine, wtop.com

WASHINGTON - Getting around Washington on the weekends typically becomes a little easier during the cold winter months. With lower temperatures comes lower highway volumes. Further, there are fewer outdoor events to draw large crowds and road work slows.

Washington's weekend hibernation can keep those who do venture out moving freely on routes that would otherwise be congested during the warmer months.

Some delays are possible on I-95 as the last wave of the holiday travelers migrates through town.

The winter cold will not deter Redskins fans this weekend. Delays are likely to form near FedEx Field on Sunday before and after the first playoff game in Washington in 13 years. Whereas last weekend's match-up against the Dallas Cowboys took place late at night, this weekend's game will coincide with higher Sunday travel volume.

Kickoff is at 4:30 p.m. Expect heavy traffic on the eastern side of the Beltway Sunday evening as fans leave the stadium.

Track work resumes on Metro this weekend. Work on the Silver Line tie-in will close the Orange Line in Fairfax County between Vienna and East Falls Church, where buses will replace trains.

Two segments of the Red Line will experience single-tracking this weekend. There is no scheduled rail work on the Blue, Yellow, or Green Lines.

Red Line

• Trains will single-track between Shady Grove and Twinbrook and between Judiciary Square and Rhode Island Ave.
• The track work will begin at 10 p.m. Friday and last through closing Sunday night.
• Trains will run between Shady Grove and Glenmont at 24 minute intervals.
• Additional trains will run between Grosvenor and Judiciary Square from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.

Orange Line

• Orange Line trains will not operate between Vienna and East Falls Church.
• The closure will begin around 10 p.m. Friday and last through closing Sunday night.
• Express shuttle buses will run between the Vienna and East Falls Church stations. Customers should add an additional 15 minutes of travel time.
• Local shuttle buses will make stops at the East Falls Church, West Falls Church, Dunn-Lorring, and Vienna stations. For each stop, customers should give themselves an additional 15 minutes of travel time.

Road Construction

On the Beltway in Virginia, mobile work crews will continue to refine the lane markings throughout the 495 Express Lanes Project. Brightly lit arrow trucks will block various lanes all night long.

In addition, a stationary work zone is scheduled to block three right lanes on the outer loop near Gallows Road. The ramps from westbound Route 50/Arlington Blvd. and Northbound Gallows Road through early Saturday. The ramps from the outer loop to eastbound Route 50/Arlington Blvd and from Northbound Gallows Road to the outer loop will also be closed.

On Saturday morning, a bridge inspection may necessitate double-lane closures on I-95 southbound in Maryland between Route 212 and the Beltway. Crews should wrap up by 11:30 a.m.

On the Capital Beltway in Maryland, the Northwest Branch Bridge Project is nearing an end. Beginning at 8 p.m. on Sunday night crews will block one to two lanes on both the inner loop and outer loop between New Hampshire Ave. and University Blvd. to install road sensors. All lanes will be open in time for Monday morning's rush hour.

Follow @WTOP on Twitter.

(Copyright 2013 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

WASHINGTON - There are several changes on the roads and rails for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Roads

The Virginia Department of Transportation says normal HOV restrictions are in effect for New Year's Eve. I-95/395 reversible lanes will remain southbound New Year's Eve night and New Year's Day.

HOV restrictions on I-95, I-395 and I-66 will be lifted in Virginia for New Year's Day. I-95/395 reversible lanes will remain southbound until midnight New Year's Day and switch to northbound by 2 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 2.

HOV restrictions on I-270 in Maryland are in effect on New Year's Eve, but are not in effect on New Year's Day.

Metro

On New Year's Eve, Metro will have regular weekday service, with rail service running until 2 a.m. to accommodate New Year's revelers.

On New year's Day, Metro will run on a Sunday schedule, opening at 7 a.m.

MARC

On New Year's Eve, MARC will only run the Penn and Brunswick Lines on an "S" schedule. There will be no Camden Line service.

Find more information about the "S" schedule here.

There will be no MARC service New Year's Day.

VRE

VRE will run trains on an "S" schedule on New Year's Eve.

VRE will not run on New Year's Day.

Arlington ART bus

Routes 41, 42, 51, 77 and 87 will operate on a Saturday schedule on New Year's Eve. No other routes will operate.

Route 41 and 51 and will operate on a Sunday schedule New Year's day. No other routes will operate.

Fine more information about those schedules here.

DASH

Buses will operate on a regular schedule on New Year's Eve. A free shuttle service to First Night Alexandria along King Street between the King Street Metro station and the Potomac River Waterfront will operate between 6 p.m. and 1 a.m.

There will be no service on Jan. 1, except for the King Street Trolley.

Fairfax Connector

Buses will operate on a normal schedule on New Year's Eve, and on a Sunday schedule for New Year's Day.

Fairfax CUE

Buses will operate as usual on New Year's Eve, but will not run on New Year's Day.

Loudoun County Transit

There will be no service on New Year's Day.

OmniRide

There will be regular service on New Year's Eve, with a few extra buses.

There will be no service on New Year's Day.

Find more information here

Ride On

Buses will run on a normal schedule on New Year's Eve. Buses will operate on a Sunday schedule on New Year's Day.

Find more information here.

The Bus

There will be no service on New Year's Day.

Taxis

SoberRide

The Washington Regional Alcohol Program's free cab program runs until New Year's Day. You can call 1 800 200 8294(TAXI) to get a free cab ride of up to $30 dollars. Get more details about the program and its restrictions here.

Uber

The car service provider says that surge pricing will be in effect for New Year's Eve. That means prices increase when there are not enough cars on the road to meet the demand. Uber says users will be notified when surge pricing is in effect, and that the price must be approved when the ride is requested.

Parking

D.C.

The city will not enforce meters, residential parking rules or rush hour restrictions on New Year's Day. All parking rules will be enforced on New Year's Eve.

Maryland

Montgomery County will not enforce parking on New Year's Day.

Virginia

Arlington County will enforce parking meters on New Year's Eve, but not on New Year's Day.

The City of Alexandria will enforce parking rules on New Year's Eve, but not on New Year's Day.

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(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

UPDATE, Saturday - 12/29/2012, 2:11pm ET - The National Weather Service has cancelled the winter weather advisory for Loudoun County in Virginia and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Frederick County, Md., remains under the advisory until 6 p.m.

UPDATE, Saturday - 12/29/2012, 1:05pm ET - The worst of the storm has passed the D.C. metro region as concern turns to icy roads Saturday night.

Charlie Gischlar, spokesman for the Maryland State Highway Administration, says temperatures can vary by one degree, which can mean the difference between slush and ice.

"We urge people to drive with extreme caution and expect the unexpected and slow it down a bit out there," he says.

Temperatures will fall into the lower 20s to the lower 30s overnight. Maryland crews will continue to monitor the roads overnight for ice. VDOT says they will keep skeleton crews out on the roads to check for icy spots, always a concern for them.

EARLIER, Saturday - 12/29/2012, 9:44am ET - A winter weather advisory is still in effect for Montgomery and Loudoun counties, as well as points north and west of there, until 6 p.m. Saturday.

Areas to the north and west in the D.C. metro area may see some light snow later in the day and areas to the south and east may see some light rain, with the possibility of a mix in the middle.

WASHINGTON, Saturday - 12/29/2012, 4:05am ET - A winter weather advisory forecasting 1 to 3 inches of snow accumulation has been issued for the D.C. region. For some areas, the advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. on Saturday.

Temperatures are expected to dip into the 20s and highs will be in the lower 40s.

Snow may mix with some rain as well, but the storm points south and east, which might help keep snow totals lower, according to the ABC7 Weather center.

District

The D.C. Snow Team, which falls under the Departments of Public Works and Transportation, will also pre-treat bridges, overpasses and other elevated structures with a brine and beet juice solution to reduce the possibility of freezing.

"The 200 plows will begin spreading salt on D.C. streets, including 82 residential routes once snow begins to fall," says DPW Director William O. Howland, Jr.

The system could be fast moving so public works says they'll monitor conditions to determine what, if any, changes should be made in its deployment plan. The temperature is expected to be just above freezing during the day on Saturday, but will drop below freezing Saturday night.

"Therefore, motorists and pedestrians should be very cautious as they travel because refreezing may occur," Howland says.

District to provide updates

Residents can track the plows online and are encouraged to visit snow.dc.gov for updates before, during and after snowstorms. Residents also may sign up at alert.dc.gov to receive emergency alerts and notifications.

D.C. Snow Team also offers snow safety and preparedness tips to residents including:

• People driving, walking or bicycling around the District should travel cautiously.
• Property owners are asked to pre-treat their sidewalks with abrasives and remove snow within 24 hours of the end of the storm.
• Neighbors should assist their elderly or disabled neighbors with clearing their sidewalks.
• Consider the safety of the snow plow drivers and "don't crowd the plow."

Information on DC trash/recycling collection

The DPW says trash and recycling will be collected Saturday, Dec. 29.

"We did not collect trash and recycling on Christmas, so our collections schedule 'slides' to the next day. And Friday's collections will be made Saturday," said Director Howland.

He added that next week normal collections will be made Monday, Dec. 31. Collections will not be made Tuesday, Jan. 1 and collections through the rest of the week "slide" to the next day.

Maryland

Maryland officials are urging motorists not to travel if possible during the snow, especially tractor trailers, buses and other large vehicles.

"Even a couple of inches of snow can wreak havoc on driving conditions," says State Highway Administration Administrator Melinda B. Peters. "If you're planning to drive on Saturday, reconsider whether travel is necessary and stay off the roads until later in the day, if possible, to allow crews time to clear the roads. If you must travel, allow extra time, take it slow."

And the Maryland State Police urge commercial vehicle drivers to find a safe place to wait out the storm.

In Montgomery, Prince George's and Baltimore counties crews are pre-treating state maintained roads with salt brine, which serves as an anti-icer. Plow operators will begin clearing roads as soon as the storm starts, the highway administration says.

Disabled motorists should attempt to move their vehicle to the shoulder and out of the path of other traffic. Motorists should also travel with an emergency kit that includes:

• a shovel
• jumper cables
• snacks
• blanket or sleeping bag
• flashlight with extra batteries
• high calorie non-perishable food
• first aid kit
• extra clothes
• bottled water
• a charged cell phone
• kitty litter or other abrasives

Prince George's County

Prince George's County public works crews will begin plowing county-maintained roads at 4 a.m. Saturday. Crews will work 12 hour shifts until all roads are clear and passable.

To help crews to clear roads, residents are asked to:

• Move and keep vehicles off snow emergency routes
• Park in driveways or other off-road locations wherever possible
• Park only on the even-numbered sides of streets

Home and business owners are responsible for clearing snow from sidewalks abutting their home or business.

Virginia

Arlington County crews are out pre-treating the roadways and will have a full team ready to respond at 4 a.m.

Click on the map to see Doug Hill's full forecast

Dave Dildine, wtop.com

On the final weekend of 2012, work zones on the roads and rails will have a minimal impact on travel but winter weather will likely affect holiday travel early Saturday.

Although delays on holiday weekends are notoriously unpredictable, travel on Interstate 95 in Virginia will likely be slow in stretches between Springfield and Fredericksburg. The Redskins game at FedEx Field will lead to delays throughout Landover on Sunday night.

Anticipate holiday volume delays on the key interstates leading into the Washington area throughout the long weekend including I-270 and I-70 in Maryland and I-95 in Virginia.

Weather

The ABC7 Weather Center is forecasting light snow to overspread the region early Saturday morning. Travel on the roads in the northern and western suburbs may be slippery and treacherous.

Drivers northwest of town have had their winter weather driving skills tested twice so far this winter. Monday, winter weather snarled traffic on the routes through Loudoun and Frederick counties. Motorists in these areas could again be impacted by ice and heavier snow accumulations.

Give yourself plenty of stopping distance and allow for extra time to reach your destination if you will be traveling through these areas.

Closures

Most major road improvement projects have suspended lane closures through next Wednesday.

Metro & Rail

Metrorail will operate on a normal weekend schedule on Saturday and Sunday. The only work zone will be on the Green Line between College Park and Greenbelt where single-tracking will take place.

On Monday Metro will operate on a normal weekend schedule but the system will remain open two hours later than normal to accommodate late night events. Although the departure times for the last trains will vary by station, Metro says the system will remain open until about 2 a.m.

On New Years Day Metro will operate on a Sunday schedule and will open at 7 a.m.

Scheduled track work will resume on the Red Line and Blue Line after 8 p.m. Trains will single-track between Friendship Heights and Medical Center and between Franconia-Springfield and Van Dorn Street.

On Monday both MARC and VRE will operate on an "S" Schedule. There will be no service on Tuesday.

Redskins

The NFC divisional showdown between the Redskins and Cowboys is set to begin at 8:20 pm this Sunday night at FedEx Field. Metro will keep the Morgan Boulevard Station on the Blue Line open late to accommodate the extra ridership following the game. All other stations will close at a normal time.

Expect congestion on the routes leading toward and away from FexEd Field before and after the game. Parking lots open at 3:30 p.m. and gates open at 5:30 p.m.

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(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

WASHINGTON - Many things will be closed or will run on a changed service schedule in the next week because of Christmas and the New Year's holidays.

The White House has given federal employees the day off and has closed all executive branch departments and agencies on Christmas Eve. Christmas Day is a federal holiday.

The mail will be delivered as usual on Christmas Eve.

Many grocery stores change their hours for the holidays, with some closing entirely on Christmas Day. Check with your local store.

Virginia ABC stores will close at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve and be closed on Christmas Day.

Montgomery County liquor stores will close at 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve and be closed on Christmas Day.

Transportation

Roads

The Virginia Department of Transportation says HOV restrictions will be lifted on Christmas Eve.

HOV restrictions will also be lifted on Christmas Day.

Normal HOV restrictions will resume on Dec. 26. HOV restrictions in Virginia will also be lifted on New Year's Day.

Roads controlled by the National Park Service, like the Rock Creek Parkway, will switch to rush-hour lane alignments on Christmas Eve.

HOV restrictions on I-270 in Maryland are in effect on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, but are not in effect on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Metro

On Christmas Eve, Metro will run regular weekday service, with rail service from 5 a.m. until midnight.

On Christmas Day, Metrorail and bus will run on a Sunday schedule. Rail service will run from 7 a.m. to midnight.

On New Year's Eve, Metro will have regular weekday service, with rail service running until 2 a.m.

On New year's Day, Metro will run on a Sunday schedule.

MARC

On Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, MARC will only run the Penn and Brunswick Lines on an "S" schedule. There will be no Camden Line service.

Find more information about those schedules here.

There will be no MARC service on Christmas or New Year's Day.

VRE

VRE will not run on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or New Year's Day.

VRE will run trains on an "S" schedule on New Year's Eve.

Arlington ART bus

Routes 41, 42, 51, 77 and 87 will operate on a Saturday schedule on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. No other routes will operate on those days.

Route 41 and 51 and will operate on a Sunday schedule on Christmas Day and New Year's day. No other routes will operate on those days.

Fine more information about those schedules here.

DASH

The DASH bus will run a Saturday schedule on Christmas Eve. All routes will stop running at 7 p.m. The DASH bus will not run on Christmas Day.

The King Street Trolley will run from 11:30 a.m. to 10:15 p.m. on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Fairfax Connector

The Fairfax Connector bus will run on a regular weekday schedule on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Buses will run on a Sunday schedule on Christmas day and New Year's Day.

Fairfax CUE

Buses will run on a normal weekday schedule, with all service ending at 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

Buses will not run on Christmas or new Year's Day.

Loudoun County Transit

There will be no service on Christmas Eve, Christmas day or New Year's Day.

OmniRide

There will be reduced service on Christmas Eve. Find more information here

There will be no service on Christmas day or New Year's Day.

Ride On

On Christmas Eve, buses will be running on a weekday schedule, but buses will leave for their last trips at 10 p.m.

Buses will operate on a Sunday schedule on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Find more information here.

The Bus

There will be no service Christmas Day or New year's Day.

Parking

D.C.

The city will not enforce meters, residential parking rules or rush hour restrictions on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or New Year's Day.

All parking rules will be enforced on New Year's Eve.

Maryland

Montgomery County will not enforce parking on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or New Year's Day.

Virginia

Arlington County will enforce parking meters on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, but not on Christmas Day or New Year's Day.

Alexandria will not enforce parking on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

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(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)