MAP: How Pope Francis' Visit Will Affect Your Commute

Road closures for Pope Francis’ visit next week will definitely snarl, slow and stop traffic around Washington.

Metro and D.C. Department of Transportation officials unveiled a series of maps, highlighting the streets and avenues that will be affected by the pope’s visit. Pope Francis will visit the United States for the first time, starting with his arrival in Washington on Sept. 22.

News4’s Adam Tuss said Capital Bikeshare will be setting up bike corrals at key points for the Papal events. Metro is also planning to make commemorative SmarTrip protective sleeves, available on Sept. 21.

Tuss said 70 Metrobus routes will be impacted, plus additional traffic from people coming into D.C. will delay other routes.

DDOT is telling commuters and motorists to be prepared for long delays. They suggest working from home, taking mass transit and planning ahead, leaving plenty of time to get to your destination.

Tuss said morning rush hour traffic coming into the city next Wednesday is expected to be the heaviest of the visit days. He said it doesn’t appear any bridges will be shut down during the pope’s visit.

Pope Francis is expected to leave for New York on Sept. 24. Pop singer Ed Sheeran will perform concerts at the Verizon Center on Sept. 22 and 23, and the Washington Nationals will play against the Baltimore Orioles on those same dates at Nationals Park.

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