Army to Lay Metal Sheets on DC Streets for 250th Birthday Parade Tanks

The U.S. Army is taking no chances with D.C.’s infrastructure before its 250th birthday celebration next month. With 25 M1 Abrams tanks set to roll through the capital, the Army will install metal plates along the parade route to prevent road damage, according to a U.S. official cited by the Associated Press.

The Abrams tank, weighing approximately 60 tons, has been a focal point of discussion regarding military parades in the capital. Past proposals, particularly during President Donald Trump's administration, raised significant concerns about the potential impact of these heavy vehicles on the city's deteriorating road infrastructure. 

Washington city officials, led by Mayor Muriel Bowser, have issued a cautionary statement regarding any military display featuring tanks. They emphasize that such an event would necessitate substantial funding for repairs, potentially amounting to millions.

The upcoming parade, set for June 14, will honor the Army's remarkable 250 years of dedicated service. The event is set to showcase a significant military presence, including thousands of troops, 150 vehicles, and 50 aircraft. The route starts at the Pentagon, traverses the Potomac River through Memorial Bridge, and continues along Constitution Avenue, concluding at 15th Street.

The Army plans to strategically position several hundred-pound metal sheets requiring tanks to navigate tight turns, especially near the Lincoln Memorial, to reduce the wear caused by tank treads on the pavement.

D.C. officials have expressed a cautious stance regarding the event, though they have not outright opposed it. Bowser has previously remarked that the deployment of military tanks should be paired with substantial financial resources for road repairs, amounting to many millions of dollars.

The Army is taking proactive measures to ensure that its upcoming historic milestone celebration proceeds smoothly, with a focus on minimizing any potential environmental impact.