Big Traffic Disruptions in DC This Weekend for Museum Opening: Here's Where to Avoid

WASHINGTON, DC — If you weren't lucky enough to snag a ticket to the grand opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture this weekend and don't plan on catching the outdoor concert or watching ceremonies on Jumbotrons outside, it's probably best to just steer clear of anywhere near the Washington Monument for the next few days.

With 28,500 tickets sold to opening day and many more expect to flood the National Mall, the Metropolitan Police Department has issued a traffic advisory for Sept. 23-25 for the museum's opening.

"Due to the size and nature of the event and its location on the National Mall (14th Street N.W. and Constitution Avenue N.W.) large crowds are expected," the Smithsonian Institute said in a statement.

The full list of traffic closures is a long one, and is posted below from the Smithsonian's website:

In addition to the road closures listed below, motorists may encounter additional public safety-related traffic closures throughout the weekend (beginning Friday, Sept. 23, at 7 p.m. and continuing through Sunday, Sept. 25, to about 10 p.m.) and are asked to exercise caution while traveling in the area.

• Constitution Avenue will be closed from 12th Street N.W. to 18th Street N.W. in both directions
• All eastbound traffic will be diverted to northbound 18th Street N.W. from Constitution Avenue N.W.
• All southbound traffic on 17th Street N.W. will be diverted to westbound Constitution Avenue N.W.
• All westbound traffic will be diverted to northbound 12th Street N.W. from Constitution Avenue N.W. (NOTE: The 12th Street tunnel will remain open during this time period)
• 15th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. to Maine Avenue S.W.
• 14th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. to Independence Avenue S.W. (NOTE: Access to the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center will be via 13½ Street N.W. during this time period)
• Madison Drive N.W. from Seventh Street N.W. to 15th Street N.W.
• Jefferson Drive S.W. from Seventh Street S.W. to 15th Street S.W.

Image via Wikimedia user Fuzheado