DC prepares for NATO summit: Traffic disruptions expected downtown

Washington, D.C., is expected to experience major traffic disruptions as the NATO summit gathers leaders from more than 30 countries at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

From July 9 through July 11, there will be road closures, Metro station shutdowns, and vehicle screenings in select areas.

As the United States hosts the 75th anniversary NATO summit, multiple law enforcement agencies, such as the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia, the Secret Service, the U.S. Park Police, and other entities, will collaborate to ensure security.

“We anticipate an increase of First Amendment demonstrations in our city as NATO gets underway,” MPD Chief Pamela Smith said. “We will not tolerate violence of any kind, and offenders will be held accountable.”

The Secret Service designated three downtown areas with vehicle and pedestrian restrictions, along with checkpoints in place from July 8 to July 12.

The largest restricted area is around the Washington Convention Center and Mount Vernon Square.

Additionally, Metrorail and Metrobus services will be affected as the Mount Vernon and Federal Triangle stations will be closed and 20 bus routes will be skipping some stops.

The District of Columbia National Guard will also assist with traffic control.

What to know about Metrorail and Metrobus service changes

From Monday, July 8, at 8 p.m. to Thursday, July 11, at 8 p.m., Metro will detour several routes due to road closures. The affected routes include 63, 64, 70, 74, 79, D4, D6, G8, and S2.

Regarding Metrorail stations, Federal Triangle station will be closed from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 9, and Mount Vernon Square station will be closed from 11 a.m. on July 9 to 5 a.m. on July 12.

However, northbound Yellow Line trains will bypass these stations and terminate at Gallery Place.

MetroAccess will maintain normal service but may not reach customers’ final destinations due to road closures.

What to know about road closures and restrictions

Drivers and pedestrians will face restrictions in three main areas: around the Washington Convention Center, around the Mellon Auditorium in the Federal Triangle area, and near the White House.

Here’s an interactive map.

Vehicles and pedestrians entering restricted areas will undergo security screenings.

Here’s information on accessing specific businesses, residencies, and buildings in secure zones.

In those areas restricted to both vehicles and pedestrians, bicycles, small scooters, ride-shares, and food deliveries are prohibited.

Trash services, mail, and package deliveries will continue within both perimeters, operating on adjusted schedules during overnight and early morning hours.

Street closures

July 9, 4 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.:

Constitution Avenue from Ninth Street NW to 15th Street NW

Pennsylvania Avenue from Ninth Street NW to 15th Street NW

10th Street NW from E Street to Constitution Avenue NW

11th Street NW from E Street to Pennsylvania Avenue NW

12th Street NW from E Street to Madison Drive NW

13th Street NW from F Street to Pennsylvania Avenue NW

14th Street NW from F Street to Independence Avenue SW

Streets from 12th Street to 14th Street NW

Upper Pennsylvania Avenue from 14th Street NW to 15th Street NW

Inbound 14th Street Bridge ramp to Exit 1

Inbound 14th Street Bridge HOV ramp to 14th Street NW

Inbound Interstate 395 Exit 3 to 12th Street Expressway/Tunnel

Westbound I-395/Maine Avenue Split at Exit 4B

July 9, 2 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.:

Constitution Avenue from 15th Street NW to 17th Street NW

15th Street NW from H Street to Constitution Avenue NW

New York Avenue from 14th Street NW to 15th Street NW

Streets from 14th Street NW to 15th Street NW

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July 8, 9 a.m. to July 12, 12 p.m.:

L Street from Seventh Street NW to Ninth Street NW

July 9, 9:30 a.m. to July 12, 12 p.m.:

Seventh Street NW from I Street to O Street

Eighth Street NW from N Street to O Street

Ninth Street NW from H Street to O Street

10th Street NW from H Street to O Street

I Street from Eighth Street NW to 10th Street NW

I Street from Sixth Street NW to Eighth Street NW (No westbound traffic)

K Street from Sixth Street NW to 11th Street NW

Allen Y. Lew Place from Seventh Street NW to Ninth Street NW

L Street from Sixth Street NW to Seventh Street NW

L Street from Ninth Street NW to 11th Street NW

M Street from Sixth Street NW to 11th Street NW

N St from Sixth Street NW to 11th Street NW

New York Avenue from Sixth Street NW to 12th Street NW

Massachusetts Avenue from Sixth Street NW to 11th Street NW