Emancipation Day has D.C. on holiday schedule

April 16, 2009 - 11:45am

reversible traffic lanes D.C. (WTOP Photo/Kristi King)

D.C.'s reversible lanes along Connecticut Avenue appear to functioning as though it's a normal day. (WTOP Photo/Kristi King)

WASHINGTON - Commuters heading into D.C. on Thursday may be in for a rude awakening.

Normal morning rush-hour traffic restrictions will not be in place in the District of Columbia because of a District holiday - Emancipation Day.

Commuters who normally expect four lanes heading southbound on Connecticut Avenue, for example, can expect something different. Cars may be parked along the street because residential parking restrictions will be suspended.

Also, there's no need to feed the parking meters in D.C. on Thursday. The D.C. Department of Public Works is suspending enforcement of meters, owing it to the holiday.

There will be no trash collection, and the DMV will also be closed for the day.

A variety of exhibits and celebrations will take place throughout the District during the day. For a complete list, click here.

Emancipation Day is celebrated every April 16 in the District to commemorate the day when Abraham Lincoln signed the Compensated Emancipation Act, freeing around 3,100 enslaved people in Washington D.C.

WASHINGTON - Commuters heading into D.C. on Thursday may be in for a rude awakening.

Normal morning rush-hour traffic restrictions will not be in place in the District of Columbia because of a District holiday - Emancipation Day.

Also, there's no need to feed the parking meters in D.C. on Thursday. The D.C. Department of Public Works is suspending enforcement of meters, owing it to the holiday.

There will be no trash collection, and the DMV will also be closed for the day.

A variety of exhibits and celebrations will take place throughout the District during the day. For a complete list, click here.

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