Streets Closed For National Christmas Tree Lighting

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Several streets will be closed in downtown Washington amid the evening rush hour for the National Christmas Tree lighting.

President Barack Obama and his family will officially light the tree in a ceremony starting at 5 p.m. Thursday. The street closings are scheduled to last around the Ellipse from 4:15 p.m. to about 7 p.m.

D.C. transportation officials say no traffic will be allowed northbound or southbound on 15th Street between E Street/Pennsylvania Avenue and Constitution Avenue. In addition, no traffic will be allowed northbound or southbound on 17th Street between Constitution Avenue and New York Avenue.

Officials say the street closings and related parking restrictions are subject to change without notice.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)