WASHINGTON — Hundreds of thousands of people leaving the Fourth of July fireworks display on the National Mall will help authorities test the city's emergency evacuation plan.
More than 500,000 people typically attend the fireworks show, and officials hope those who are directed along designated evacuation routes will get out of the city more quickly than usual. Pedestrians and subway riders also will be monitored.
"We're working to test routes across the Potomac River and up into Maryland through both Prince George's and Montgomery counties," said Michelle L. Pourciau, acting director of the D.C. Department of Transportation.