WASHINGTON - U.S. Capitol Police will close several streets circling the Capitol this evening for the State of Union address. Street closures will not begin until after this evening's rush hour at 7 p.m. and will run until the conclusion of the event.

To the south, Independence Avenue and C Street SE and SW will be closed between 2nd Street SE and Washington Ave SW.

To the north, Constitution Avenue will be closed between 2nd Street NE and Louisiana Ave NW.

On the east side, closures begin at 2nd Street SE. And on the west side, closures begin at 3rd street SW. Massachusetts Avenue remains open.

Embedded is a press release with a list of road closures and map:

State of the Union Road Closures by

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Dave Dildine, wtop.com

Downtown Washington will be abuzz with activity this weekend, and getting there could be tricky on some roads and on parts of the Metrorail system.

The shops and sidewalks around Gallery Place will be bustling on Sunday. The Chinese New Year Parade, replete with dragons, costumes, martial arts and musical acts, will travel along H Street and under the Friendship Arch in Chinatown Sunday afternoon. This is the year of the snake. Expect traffic congestion and local detours beginning Sunday morning in Chinatown.

Police will block H Street NW between 6th and 7th streets around 9 a.m. By 11 a.m. the following nearby streets will be closed for the duration of the celebration:

• G Street NW from 7th Street to 9th Street NW
• H Street NW from 8th Street to 6th Street NW
• I Street NW from 5th Street to 7th Street NW
• 7th Street NW from I Street to G Street NW
• 8th Street NW from G Street to H Street NW

The combination of street closures and heavy pedestrian traffic in crosswalks will likely lead to delays on nearby roads. All streets are expected to reopen by 3:30 p.m.

In Arlington County, police will be closing South Joyce Street and sections of Army Navy Drive to allow the Love the Run You're With 5K race on Sunday.

The affected streets are listed below:

• South Joyce Street between South 15th Street and Army Navy Drive will be closed from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
• Army Navy Drive between South Joyce Street and South 25th Street will be closed from 8:45 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Street parking in the area will be restricted. Motorists should be on the lookout for temporary "No Parking" signs. Illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed or towed.

On Metrorail, some track work

On Metro, this weekend's agenda focuses on platform reconstruction, track maintenance and third rail upgrades on the Red and Orange lines. Although trains will share tracks through Rockville, Takoma Park and Falls Church, all stations will remain open and Metro plans to keep the Blue, Green or Yellow lines running at normal intervals.

Red Line

• Trains will single track between Shady Grove and Twinbrook stations
• Trains will single track between the Rhode Island Avenue and Takoma stations
• Customers riding through either work zone should add about 15 minutes to their travel time

Orange Line

No track work is scheduled for Sunday and no train delays are expected.

Nighttime Road Work Ahead

Construction on the roads will take place mainly during the overnight hours this weekend.

Work on the Contee Road bridge project over Interstate 95 west of Laurel will resume Sunday evening. Crews plan to start blocking northbound lanes of I-95 by 7 p.m. By midnight, three lanes will be closed. Occasionally crews will need to stop northbound traffic to reposition equipment and supplies.

Love The Run You're With 5k

In Pentagon City, the Love The Run You're With 5k will kick off Sunday from the Pentagon Row Mall at 9 a.m. Arlington County police will block portions of South Joyce Street and Army Navy Drive to accommodate the runners.

• South Joyce Street closed between 15th Street and Army Navy Drive from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.
• Army Navy Drive closed between Joyce Street and 25th Street from 8:45 to 10:00 a.m.

Obey all posted "No Parking" signs and consider parking in the Pentagon City Mall garage. Authorities encourage attendees to use the Pentagon City Metro Station to access the event.

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Amy Freedman, wtop.com

WASHINGTON - There will be intermittent full lane closures on the Outer Loop of the Beltway at Route 7 Leesburg Pike at Exit 47 beginning at midnight on Tuesday, Feb. 5. The closures could last up to 30 minutes at a time.

When not fully closed, one left lane will be open. In addition, there will be one Express Lane available.

Beltway closures of this kind were an everyday occurrence when construction for the Express Lanes was in full-force. Since the project's completion in November 2012, this type of closure has been much less frequent.

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(Copyright 2013 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

Amy Freedman, wtop.com

WASHINGTON - On Thursday, the short stretch of the Southeast Freeway eastbound after the 11th Street Bridge that leads to Pennsylvania Avenue and the Sousa Bridge closed.

The new alignment of the Southeast Freeway eastbound now leads drivers into three lanes, directly onto the 11th Street Bridge. Drivers then have the choice of taking I-295 southbound or DC 295 northbound.

To get to Pennsylvania Avenue, drivers can follow the signs to DC 295 northbound. Once on 295, Pennsylvania Avenue will be the first exit.

This reconfiguration is part of the 11th Street Bridge Project's Phase 2. The closure is expected to last 18 to 20 months.

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(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

Amy Freedman, wtop.com

WASHINGTON - The short stretch of the Southeast-Southwest Freeway eastbound that runs to Pennsylvania Avenue and the Sousa Bridge after the 11th Street Bridge Exit will be closed for several months after rush hour Thursday night, Jan. 31.

All traffic will be diverted onto the 11th Street Bridge.

In addition, if you use the ramp from 8th Street/9th Street/Virginia Avenue SE to Pennsylvania Avenue and the Sousa Bridge, you will also be diverted to the 11th Street Bridge.

This closure is part of phase 2 of the 11th Street Bridge Project and will remain in place for 18 to 20 months.

In preparation for, and in addition to, the full closure, DDOT will implement alternating single and double lane closures along the Southeast-Southwest Freeway from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.

Also starting at midnight through 5 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 1, there will be intermittent 20 minute stoppages.

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(Copyright 2013 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

Tim Bracken, wtop.com

WASHINGTON - A work zone will close lanes on New York Avenue NE Monday evening.

Starting at 7:30 p.m. and continuing through 4 a.m. Tuesday, inbound New York Avenue will be closed at 4th Street NE and outbound traffic will have a single lane open.

Inbound traffic will be directed to 4th Street NE to Florida Avenue to get back to inbound New York Avenue.

DDOT is advising drivers to use Rhode Island Avenue or H Street NE as alternates.

Another pending work zone in Southeast could cause traffic headaches in the daytime hours into next week.

Beginning Wednesday, Jan. 30, traffic on Pennsylvania Avenue could see delays going across the Sousa Bridge between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. while crews install new signs, poles and light fixtures.

Crews will work on one side of the bridge at a time, reducing travel to a single lane.

Work is scheduled to be completed by Sunday, Feb. 10.

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(Copyright 2013 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

Dave Dildine, wtop.com

A road project in Arlington shifts into high gear this weekend. VDOT says the westbound side of Route 50, also known as Arlington Boulevard, will be blocked this weekend near Courthouse Road.

Crews will demolish the Courthouse Road bridge that spans the westbound lanes. The eastbound ramp to Courthouse Road will also be closed. The project aims to improve the efficiency of the interchanges that connect 10th Street and Courthouse Road to Route 50.

The construction closures will begin around 8 a.m. Saturday. Westbound traffic will be diverted onto 14th Street. The official detour attempts to deflect traffic away from the neighborhoods between Arlington Boulevard and Wilson Boulevard using 14th Street, 15th Street, Wilson Boulevard, Barton Street and 10th Street. Follow the orange detour signs. The demolition is expected to be completed by late Sunday and the road should reopen by 8 p.m.

During construction of the new interchange, eastbound motorists on Route 50 will not be able to access Courthouse Road. The outdated left exit will be permanently closed. Instead, drivers will need to use the next exit, a right off-ramp, marked "N Rhodes St/N Rolfe St/N Queen St" until the new interchange opens.

VDOT urges outbound drivers leaving Washington to avoid Route 50. Variable message signs near the project area have been warning motorists of the closure for several weeks. Consider using Route 29 or Interstate 66 instead.

Detour Map

Rail work zones return

WMATA will resume track work on the Metrorail system beginning Friday night. The system was put to the test last Monday, offering 17 hours of consecutive rush hour service for the presidential inauguration. The work will affect passengers on the Red, Orange and Green lines through Sunday.

Red Line
Trains will single track between Farragut North and Judiciary Square. Customers should expect about a 10-minute delay. The work zone will be in place from 10 p.m. Friday until noon on Sunday.

Orange Line
Trains will single track between East Falls Church and West Falls Church. Trains will also single track between Stadium-Armory and Cheverly. Customers should expect about a 20-minute delay. The work zone will be in place from 10 p.m. Friday until closing-time late Sunday.

Green Line
Trains will single track between College Park and Greenbelt. Customers traveling through the work zone should expect about a 10-minute delay.

A slow thawing out...

The region's bout with below-normal temperatures continues this weekend but the WTOP Weather Team says that temperatures may crack the freezing mark on Saturday and Sunday.

Friday's coating of light snow may create isolated slick spots on small roads and neighborhood streets as long as temperatures remain below freezing. Drivers should use caution when driving on untreated road surfaces and remain alert for black ice.

With more cold weather to come, this weekend is a good time to make sure your battery is winter-ready and able to carry a reliable charge. The colder temperatures can also lower your tire pressure, greatly reducing the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Top off your windshield washer fluid and clean your windshield to make sure the de-icing agents leftover from Friday's light snowfall don't obscure your view.

Localized delays near weekend events

The "March on Washington for Gun Control" will take place on the National Mall Saturday morning. The march begins near the Capitol Reflecting Pool around 11 a.m. and will progress down Constitution Avenue, ending near 15th Street NW. Police will be on-scene helping to direct traffic.

The Polar Bear Plunge will take place on Saturday at Sandy Point State Park in Maryland. The ramps from Route 50 toward the parking lots may become congested by late morning but the impact on through traffic between the Bay Bridge and Annapolis should be minimal.

The Washington Capitals take on the Buffalo Sabres at the Verizon Center on Sunday at 3 p.m. Expect a surge of Caps fans at the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro and along the nearby streets before and after the game.

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(Copyright 2013 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

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.

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(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.

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(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.

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(Copyright 2013 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)