This is to advise the public that because of possible demonstrations against IMF/World Bank meetings scheduled for next week various streets will be closed. The United States Department of State has declared the IMF and World Bank buildings as foreign missions during these meetings.

Beginning at 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 28, 2001, vehicular and pedestrian traffic will be limited or prohibited in the area of 18th to 20th Streets, NW and G to H Streets, NW. Police will attempt to allow vehicular traffic to flow on 18th and 20th Streets, N.W. Traffic on 19th Street between G and H Streets, N.W. will be prohibited. 18th Street, N.W. will be open but pedestrian use of the west sidewalk will be restricted. 20th Street, N.W. will be open but pedestrian use on the east sidewalk will be restricted. G Street, N.W. will be open but pedestrian use on the north sidewalk will be restricted and H Street, N.W. will be closed but pedestrian use on the north sidewalk will be open. Normal traffic patterns will hopefully be resumed sometime around 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 30, 2001. It must be emphasized that these changes may occur with little or no advance notice.

The number of demonstrators and their actions may cause delays due to any possible disruptions of traffic flow. Motorists and pedestrians may wish to avoid the aforementioned areas during the activities scheduled for Sunday, April 29th and Monday, April 30th. Police officials will attempt to keep the public informed of any changes with the assistance of the news media. Additionally, citizens may visit the department's website, www.mpdc.org for up-to-date information regarding IMF protests. The department wishes to take this opportunity to thank the public for its cooperation and tolerance regarding the pending demonstrations.

• Get more information on the upcoming IMF/World Bank Spring Meeting