National Christmas Tree Lighting 2012 Street Closures Will Cause Big Traffic Headaches On Thursday

How To Avoid Thursday's Christmas Tree Traffic Mayhem
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 01: People gather around the National Christmas Tree after it was was lit during its lighting ceremony on December 1, 2011 at the Ellipse, south of the White House, in Washington, DC. The first family participated in the 89th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 01: People gather around the National Christmas Tree after it was was lit during its lighting ceremony on December 1, 2011 at the Ellipse, south of the White House, in Washington, DC. The first family participated in the 89th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON -- While it's certainly not unusual for D.C. area drivers to complain about traffic delays and congestion, there's one day of the year that can create a moment of dread for some commuters: the annual National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony.

Typically, major commuter roadways adjacent to the Ellipse are closed to traffic during the middle of the evening rush hour, causing a ripple effect of gridlock around the White House and downtown.

This year's tree lighting ceremony, set for Thursday and hosted by award-winning actor Neil Patrick Harris, will close portions of 15th and 17th streets NW from 4:15 p.m. to 7 p.m.

15th Street will be closed between Constitution Avenue and E Street/Pennsylvania Avenue. 17th Street will be closed between Constitution Avenue and New York Avenue. Both routes are used by thousands of Virginia-bound commuters trying to reach the 14th Street, Arlington Memorial and Theodore Roosevelt bridges during the evening rush hour.

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White House Christmas Tree 2012

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