Coast Guard Restricts Potomac River Access July 2-5 for July 4 Security

U.S. Coast Guard will close the Potomac River from Key Bridge to roughly 200 yards south of the 14th Street Bridge to recreational traffic from the morning of July 2 through the morning of July 5. The Anacostia River near the Frederick Douglass Bridge will also close on July 4.

The measures form part of security preparations for the July 4 events at the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. Commercial ferries and dinner cruises may transit portions of the restricted Potomac zones at limited times, except during the morning of July 3 and from noon to midnight on July 4. Violators face civil penalties of up to $11,162.

The Coast Guard issued the June 16 advisory to manage vessel traffic during the holiday period. ” The Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority separately announced that no aircraft will arrive at or depart from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport after noon on July 4.

In New York Harbor, the Coast Guard issued Marine Safety Information Bulletins that establish temporary waterway restrictions, safety zones, and operational guidance from July 1 through July 9.

Macy’s annual Fourth of July Fireworks show will return to both the lower East River and lower Hudson River during the same period. Macy’s said the dual-river display will mark America’s 250th birthday and honor the retailer’s 50th year of July 4 fireworks celebrations.

” The closures affect popular boating stretches where families have reserved slips months ahead and charter operators have relied on holiday crowds.

The Fourth of July events nationwide commemorate America’s 250th anniversary.