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State of the Union Address: Street Closures and Other Restrictions

January 28, 2020

February 4, 2020, Event Will Impact Capitol Complex

On February 4, 2020, President Donald J. Trump will deliver his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the Chamber of the House of Representatives beginning at 9 p.m.

Given the high level of security surrounding the event, the United States Capitol Police (USCP) is responsible for a significant amount of preparation and coordination with its numerous law enforcement partners, including the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Park Police, and Metropolitan Police Department.

The following is specific information for the Capitol Complex regarding street closures, parking restrictions, restricted access to the U.S. Capitol, and other details concerning the Joint Session.

Restricted Access – U.S. Capitol Building / Capitol Square

The U.S. Capitol Building will be restricted to only those with event credentials and authorized pedestrians beginning at 5:30 p.m. on February 4, to include Members of Congress and spouses, invited dignitaries, USCP credentialed guests, media with a standard Congressional media photo ID, and ticketed guests.

Beginning at 7 p.m., no vehicles will be allowed within the Capitol Grounds except for those displaying a current Congressional parking sticker with at least one occupant of the vehicle carrying a valid Congressional I.D., and/or a USCP special event placard and credential.

The following areas will be restricted to event credentialed and authorized pedestrians only beginning at 5:30 p.m.

  • First Street between Constitution Ave., NW, and Independence Ave., SW
  • Independence Ave. between Washington Ave., SW, and Second Street, SE
  • First Street between Independence Ave., SE, and Constitution Ave., NE
  • Constitution Ave. between First Street, NE, and Louisiana Ave., NW

Street Closures

U.S. Capitol Police will put the following street closures into effect beginning at 7 p.m. on February 4. Access to the perimeter will be restricted to those bearing proper U.S. Capitol Police authorization and credentials. These restrictions will be lifted upon the conclusion of the event. (Please see the map below for reference.)

  • Pennsylvania Ave., NW, from Third Street, NW, to First Street, NW
  • Constitution Ave., NW, from Louisiana Ave., NW, to Second Street, NE
  • First Street, NW, from Louisiana Ave., NW, to Washington Ave., SE
  • New Jersey Ave., NW, from Louisiana Ave., NW, to Constitution Ave., NW
  • D Street, NE, from Second Street, NE, to Louisiana Ave., NE
  • Delaware Ave., NE, from Columbus Circle, NE, to Constitution Ave., NE
  • First Street, NE, from Columbus Circle, NE, to C Street, SW
  • C Street, NE, from Second Street, NE, to Delaware Ave., NE
  • Maryland Ave., NE, from Constitution Ave., NE, to First Street, NE
  • Second Street, NE, from Constitution Ave., NE, to East Capitol Street, NE
  • East Capitol Street from Second Street, NE, to First Street, NE
  • Independence Ave. from Second Street, SE, to Washington Ave., SW
  • C Street, SW, from Washington Ave., SW, to First Street, SE
  • Delaware Ave., SW, from Washington Ave., SW, to C Street, SW
  • South Capitol Street from D Street, SE, to Independence Ave., SE
  • New Jersey Ave., SE, from D Street, SE, to Independence Ave., SE
  • Maryland Ave., SW, from Third Street, SW, to First Street, SW

Capitol Tours

Public and staff-led tours will be suspended beginning at noon on February 4. The Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) also will close to the public at noon. The CVC will re-open at 8:30 a.m. on February 5, for tours.

The House Gallery will remain open until 5 p.m. or until the House recesses, whichever is later. The Senate Gallery will remain open until 5 p.m. or until the Senate recesses, whichever is later. Visitors with gallery passes may continue to enter at the CVC's main entrance.

Tour Buses

Tour buses will be allowed to drop off and pick up passengers at Peace Circle and Garfield Circle until noon on February 4.

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Street Closures    February 4 2020