Museum ceremony closes roads around National Mall

WASHINGTON – Roads are closed around the National Mall as the Smithsonian holds a ceremony Wednesday for the groundbreaking of the National Museum of African American History and Culture at 14th Street and Constitution Avenue in Northwest.

President Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and former first lady Laura Bush are attending the private event. A live stream of the event can be found at the museum’s website.

The following roads closed at 10 a.m., according to The Washington Post:

  • 15th Street between Independence Avenue and Constitution Avenue (closed until noon)
  • Madison Drive and Jefferson Drive between 14th Street and 15th Street (closed until noon)
  • Madison Drive between 12th Street and 14th Street (closed until noon)
  • The 12th Street ramp from Constitution Avenue to Madison Drive (closed until noon)
  • 14th Street between Independence Avenue and Constitution Avenue (closed until noon)
  • Constitution Avenue between 12th Street and 17th Street (closed until noon)

Drivers can use the 12th Street and 9th Street tunnels as alternate routes. Additionally, Madison Drive between 12th and 14th streets is closed off to parking.

WTOP’s Jack Taylor says drivers will have a tough time getting around anywhere between 12th Street and 17th Street. But Taylor says traveling one block outside that perimeter will allow drivers to navigate without a problem.

WTOP Traffic will keep you up-to-date every 10 minutes on the 8s on 103.5 FM and you can follow WTOP Traffic and WTOP on Twitter. WTOP’s Custom Commute cameras also can help you navigate your commute.

(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

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