Road closures and emergency parking restrictions are in force across central Washington DC as Chinese President Xi Jinping meets US President Donald Trump during a three-day state visit.
The Metropolitan Police Department said the measures, introduced for security reasons, will affect key routes around Pennsylvania Avenue, Constitution Avenue and the National Mall from Wednesday, September 23, until Friday, September 25.
Xi arrived in the United States on Wednesday and was due to attend official events with Mr Trump on Thursday, including a state arrival ceremony at the White House. The visit is the first by the Chinese leader to Washington in more than a decade.
From 6.30am on Wednesday until 5pm on Friday, vehicle access will be blocked on 12th Street between E Street and Constitution Avenue, as well as on Pennsylvania Avenue between Ninth and 13th Streets. The 12th Street Tunnel and Expressway will also be closed.
Parts of 10th and 11th Streets will remain accessible to local traffic, with vehicles allowed to travel south into the affected blocks.
Further closures are scheduled for Thursday between 9am and 10pm. They include Constitution Avenue from 14th to 18th Streets, 15th Street from Independence Avenue to H Street, and 17th Street over the same stretch.
On Friday, restrictions will move across a wider section of downtown. Constitution Avenue will be closed between Sixth and 14th Streets from 9am to 2pm, alongside sections of Seventh and Ninth Streets, Pennsylvania Avenue between Sixth and Ninth Streets, and the Ninth Street Tunnel.
Emergency no-parking restrictions have also been posted along several corridors, including Constitution Avenue, Pennsylvania Avenue, 10th Street, 12th Street, 15th Street, 17th Street and H Street. The earliest restrictions began at 5pm on Monday, September 21.
Police and transport officials warned motorists to expect delays, heavier pedestrian activity and further changes if security conditions require them. Drivers have been advised to use alternative routes and follow emergency no-parking signs.
Vehicles left in restricted areas can be ticketed and towed, officials said. Residents and visitors have also been urged to remain vigilant and report immediate threats or emergencies to 911.
Traffic updates are being issued by the Metropolitan Police Department through its DC Police Traffic account on X.
