The Connection

During the Wreaths Across America event Dec. 16 and 17, Arlington motorists are advised to allow for extended travel times and seek alternate routes.

Wreaths Across America in Arlington

The annual Wreaths Across America escort of handmade, balsam wreaths destined for Arlington National Cemetery will begin arriving in Arlington County on Friday, Dec. 16, 2022. The annual convoy of wreaths, originating in Maine and ending at Arlington National Cemetery, includes over 75 tractor trailers and numerous support vehicles that will reach the Cemetery at various times throughout the day. https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/

On Saturday, Dec. 17, several thousand volunteers will descend upon the Cemetery and help lay wreaths on every gravesite throughout the property beginning at 8 a.m. The public can anticipate large crowds and heavy pedestrian traffic related to the event. Traffic is expected in and around the immediate area and motorists are advised to allot for extended travel times and seek alternate routes to reduce road congestion.

Road Closures

The Arlington County Police Department and its partnering law enforcement agencies will close roads and monitor traffic conditions in order to accommodate the event. Volunteers and the public should be aware of the following potential disruptions on Saturday, Dec. 17:

From approximately 6 a.m. until 6:45 a.m., Northbound S. Eads Street, between 15th Street S. and 18th Street S.

From approximately 6 a.m. until 2 p.m.:

* Marshall Drive, between N. Meade Street and Rt. 110, will be closed and restricted to authorized traffic only. 

* N. Meade Street will be closed from 14th Street N. to Marshall Drive – local traffic only.

* Columbia Pike will be closed from S. Joyce Street to Rotary Road and restricted to authorized traffic only.

* Additional road closures will be implemented in locations along I-395, the George Washington Parkway, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, and the Pentagon Reservation by the Virginia State Police, United States Park Police, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Police, and the Pentagon Force Protection Agency.

Other roads not listed may be closed for short durations at the discretion of law enforcement and in the interest of public safety. Motorists are reminded that parking on the shoulders of Route 110 and Washington Boulevard is strictly prohibited. Any vehicle that is left unattended will be towed at the owner’s expense. Stopping or standing in the travel lanes to discharge or pick up passengers is also prohibited, and police officers will be patrolling along Route 110 and Washington Boulevard to address observed violations of applicable traffic laws.

Arriving at Arlington National Cemetery

Attendees are encouraged to utilize multimodal and public transportation options to reduce vehicular congestion. A designated rideshare drop-off and pick-up zones has been established at the Hayes Lot in Pentagon City, located at 880 Army Navy Drive.