White House

Sinkhole Halts Rush Hour Traffic Near White House Grounds

The sinkhole opened in the intersection of 17th and D Streets NW

A large sinkhole that opened one block away from the White House stopped the flow of rush hour traffic on two blocks downtown, D.C. police say.

The sinkhole developed in the middle of the intersection of 17th Street NW and D Street NW before 5 p.m. Tuesday, near the White House Ellipse.

Police were forced to close 17th Street NW in both directions between C Street and E Street NW. The District Department of Transportation is working on repairs and traffic control, police say.  Drivers can use 18th Street, 15th Street, K Street, Virginia Avenue, and Constitution Avenue as alternatives during the closure.

Police didn't detail when the road will be reopened or when the repair will be finished.

Photos show the sinkhole was much larger than an orange traffic cone sitting inside. 

Last May, a sinkhole opened up on the North Lawn of the White House. National Parks Spokesperson Jenny Anzelmo-Sarles previously said that sinkholes are common in the D.C. area after heavy rain.

A gunman stole two 2-month-old pit bulls from a woman out walking them in Southeast D.C. Sunday. News4's Darcy Spencer reports.
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