WASHINGTON — DC neighbors are bracing for impact as the 75th annual NATO Summit kicks off Tuesday.
Roads will be closed and multiple public safety agencies will be increasing security around the DC Convention Center, Mellon Auditorium and White House as hundreds of dignitaries convene in the District. The summit is also expecting thousands more attendees.
For the first time in 25 years, NATO leaders are re-convening in Washington, D.C. -- the place where the original 12 Allies signed the North Atlantic Treaty 75 years ago.
Now, NATO is up to 32 member countries and has said the focus of this summit is on supporting Ukraine and the future of the partnership.
DC neighbors, however, are most concerned about accessing their offices and homes.
“Everywhere takes a lot longer to get through," said Rachel Zajz-Residen, who lives across from the Convention Center.
You can find a full list of road closures here, mainly around the DC Convention Center, the Mellon Auditorium and the White House.
Parking will also be restricted in these areas, so pay attention to signage.
Some bus routes will be detoured, and two metro stops will also be closed, including Federal Triangle on Tuesday and Mt. Vernon Square through Friday morning.
“A lot of people have been told not to come into the office since they’ve been closing a lot of metro stations," Zajz-Residen said.
She and other neighbors who live near the Convention Center will also have to show IDs to drive into their apartment buildings.
“I heard Tuesday is going to be the busiest," neighbor Weston Coward said.
To receive updates from public safety agencies monitoring the summit, you can text NATODC to 888-777.
Do you have a news tip on this story or any other story? We want to hear from you. Tell us about it by emailing newstips@wusa9.com.
MORE WAYS TO GET WUSA9
DOWNLOAD THE WUSA9 APP
Apple App Store: WUSA9 News on Apple
Google Play Store: WUSA9 News on Android
HOW TO ADD THE FREE WUSA9+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for WUSA9.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "WUSA9" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE WUSA9 NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to our daily WUSA9 Newsletter for top stories from WUSA9 curated daily just for you. Get content and information right now for can’t-miss stories, Commanders content, weather, and more delivered right to your inbox.