Traffic Patterns Change Near DC's Cherry Blossoms | News

WASHINGTON (AP) - Traffic patterns around Washington's Tidal Basin are changing for the next month to help keep traffic moving at the height of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

The National Park Service says that beginning Saturday, all four lanes of Ohio Drive along the Potomac River will be redirected to flow northbound only. There will be no access to West Potomac Park from Independence Avenue and 23rd Street southwest.

Park Service officials warn parking is very limited in the area. They are visitors to take Metro instead and walk about three blocks from the Smithsonian Metro station.

Park Service spokesman Bill Line says the traffic changes are being made earlier this year because the cherry blossoms are expected to bloom early. The warm weather is expected to draw larger crowds.