Watch CBS News

Metro To Take Break From Weekend Work For Blossoms

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Metro says it will take a break from weekend track work for cherry blossom season.

The transit agency says it won't conduct its typical weekend work from March 23 through April 14.

Metro says ridership increases by an average of more than 15 percent during the cherry blossom season. Weekend ridership can double to near-weekday levels during nice weather as people head to see the flowers.

More than 1 million people are expected in Washington to see the pink and white blossoms over the duration of this year's festival. The National Park Service said Monday that the peak time to seek the flowers will be between March 26 and 30.

This year's festival marks the 101st anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.