Traffic Signals Fail, Causing Gridlock in Downtown D.C.

Evening rush traffic in downtown Washington was immobilized at times yesterday as signals went dark near the Mall and delays spread.

"Horrible," said one motorist. "Gridlock," said another. Two others told of spending an hour or more trying to get around Thomas Circle NW.

A Pepco spokesman said a circuit apparently shut down about 2:30 p.m. near Constitution Avenue NW. The circuit powers traffic signals from 13th to 17th streets NW.

Delays there had "a ripple effect" said D.C. police Lt. Daniel Ewell Jr., who said rush hour probably lasted an extra hour and a half.

The D.C. Department of Transportation said it brought in generators to restore power at most intersections. Transportation workers, D.C. police and U.S. Park Police helped direct Mall area traffic. A Pepco spokesman said crews investigated but found no problem in the circuit and switched it back on about 10:40 p.m. They continued to monitor the signals, he said.