WASHINGTON - The Fourth of July is a tradition in Washington, but there were some important changes made this year for people heading down to the National Mall.

Thousands of people made their way down to the U.S. Capitol Saturday for the annual Fourth of July tradition. The Capital Fourth concert kicks off at 8 p.m., but preparations have been going on all day to make sure the show goes off without a hitch.

ABC 7's John Gonzalez reporting from down on the Mall says many people arrived early to avoid the long security checkpoint lines and snag a good spot to watch the fireworks from.

U.S. Capitol police, however, made some adjustments this year. For example, there are 7 less security checkpoints this year than last. They say the change was made in an effort to spread out the crowds and eliminate longer lines.

And for the first time since September 11, the Smithsonian Metro Station on the Mall is open to the public. "I was really excited when I heard the news," said D.C. resident Tomar Brown.

For the past several years, the station conveniently situated right on the Mall, has been shut down for security reasons. But this year, U.S. Park Police gave Metro a green light in what will surely be the go-to station for Saturday night's fireworks.

"It will be more likely that we will come downtown," added Brown. "My family is in from out of town and we are definitely going to come down and use the Metro and see the Mall and all the sights."

But when more than half-a-million people are expected on the National Mall, a broken escalator at the Smithsonian station could be a problem.

Sources say beginning at 6 p.m. right until the fireworks display at 9:10 p.m., travelers will only be able to exit the station. From 9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., travelers will only be able to enter the station to get on the trains. Metro employees say expect large crowds and long waits.

And while Metro officials say the Takoma station will close at 10 p.m. on Friday and Sunday to allow investigators looking into last month's fatal crash to continue their work, it will be open all day Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. as people travel to and from Independence Day celebrations.

Shuttle buses will be provided Friday night around the Takoma station.

Metro is planning to operate at near rush-hour levels Saturday from 4 p.m. to midnight. Free parking will be available for about 60,000 automobiles at Metro-owned facilities.

And for the first time since last Monday's deadly accident, trains are running at normal speeds up to 59 miles per hour but still slower through the accident site.

"That is good peace of mind knowing they are being cautious," noted a red line commuter.

The transit agency warns riders to expect big crowds and says some red line trains may be offloaded to turn trains around.

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