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‘Worse than cherry blossoms’: Drivers react to Freedom 250 Grand Prix road closures
WTOP • • general
Key Points:
- IndyCar drivers will race at speeds close to 200 mph through downtown Washington, D.C., during the Freedom 250 Grand Prix this weekend, causing significant traffic disruptions in the area.
- Local traffic has been severely slowed, with some vehicles, including a Metrobus, taking several minutes to cover just a single block due to multiple red light cycles and street closures.
- Commuters report trips taking more than three times longer than usual, with some planning to avoid downtown entirely during the event.
- D.C. Department of Transportation Director Sharon Kershbaum warned that traffic congestion will worsen, especially on Friday, and encouraged the use of public transportation to navigate the area.
- The race course will lead to extensive street closures starting Friday morning through Sunday night, with some restrictions remaining afterward as crews dismantle the event setup.
