Deserted downtown streets in DC During Lockdown 2020

Near the Archives

 For several months, during the Covid-19 pandemic, in 2020, the streets around the federal area in downtown Washington, D.C. were deserted.  But for the occasional bus or delivery vehicle there was no traffic at all.  In fact, many times I crossed the street anywhere, almost without looking, as there were no vehicles coming by at all.  I'd go on a walk about and the city areas of Penn Quarter and Federal Triangle were bereft of people and cars.  

11th and E Sts NW intersection

Usually it's very busy and you have to be very careful to follow the street crossing signs or you could get run over by a bike or car or van or bus. But not for the several months of the lock down. 

Shops and cafes and just about every office was closed and most had signs in the windows or doors about being closed indefinitely.  It was a very strange situation.  On the one hand, there was a certain enjoyment to the quietness of the city, but on the other hand, there was a certain uselessness in the air, as if these buildings and roadways were all for nothing.

Pennsylvania Ave NW

  If you did see a person, it was a security guard, with a mask on, or an occasional other person going on a walk.  Everyone was giving each other a suspicious look and wide berth.

 It was as quiet as an early Sunday morning downtown everywhere!

View on PA ave to Congress