Brace yourself, Washington commuters. The annual traffic debacle known as the National Christmas Tree Lighting is scheduled for Thursday evening during the height of the evening commute.
That means road closures in downtown D.C. that somehow snarl far more roads than seems possible.
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The lighting is scheduled to take place from 4:15 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the Ellipse near the White House.
During that time, no vehicles will be allowed in either direction on 15th Street Northwest between E Street/Pennsylvania Avenue and Constitution Avenue Northwest or on 17th Street Northwest, between Constitution Avenue and New York Avenue, according to D.C.’s Metropolitan Police.
The road closures also mean Metrobus detours for the 32, 36, 37, 39, L1 and H1 routes, according to Metro.
Detours for the 32, 36, 37 and 39 routes:
- Eastbound buses to Archives will turn right on 14th Street NW, then left on Pennsylvania Avenue NW.
- Westbound buses to Friendship Heights will turn right on 14th Street NW, then left on Eye Street NW to 15th Street NW.
Detours for the L1 and H1 routes:
- Southbound buses to Potomac Park will turn right on New York Avenue NW, continue on E Street NW, turn left on 19th Street NW, turn left on Virginia Avenue NW, then left on 18th Street NW.
- Northbound buses to Chevy Chase Circle will continue on 18th Street NW, then turn left on C Street NW.
Police warn drivers to expect more pedestrians than usual in the area, urging them to drive with caution.
