APRIL 10, 2000
IMF & World Bank Demonstrations Street Closings
As a result of today's demonstrations, the Metropolitan Police Department closed or restricted traffic around the World Bank and International Monetary Fund buildings.
Beginning at 1:00 this afternoon, vehicular traffic is prohibited on H Street, NW from 18th to 20th Streets, NW and on 19th Street from G Street to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. Only authorized vehicles and pedestrians will be allowed on 19th Street, NW between G Streets and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.
Vehicular traffic is restricted between 18th and 20th Streets, NW, and G to H Streets, NW. One lane on 18th Street, NW, one lane on 20th Street, NW, and one lane on G Street, NW will be used by police vehicles only. Motorists may utilize the remaining lanes. These restrictions will remain in effect until further notice.
It must be emphasized that these boundaries are subject to change based upon prevailing circumstances. Citizens are advised that these changes may occur with little or no advance notice. Members of the Metropolitan Police Department have met with demonstration organizers and emphasized that the rights and property of citizens of the District of Columbia and the Washington metropolitan area must be respected. Demonstration organizers have assured police personnel that they intend to conduct peaceful, non-violent demonstrations. However, there remains the possibility that some fringe groups may attempt to cause disruptions. Therefore, the department may be required to close streets without advance notice. Police officials will attempt to keep the public informed with the assistance of the news media. Additionally, citizens may visit the department's web site, mpdc.dc.gov, or call 727-3721 for up-to-date information regarding IMF protests.
The size of the demonstration(s) and actions of protestors may cause delays due to disruptions of traffic flow. Motorists and pedestrians may wish to avoid the aforementioned areas during the demonstrations scheduled for Sunday, April 16th and Monday, April 17, 2000.
Police officials wish to take the opportunity to thank the public for its cooperation and tolerance regarding the pending demonstrations.
