JUST IN: Road Near Capitol Building Closed Due To Sink Hole Threat

Congressional offices received alerts and a busy street was shutdown near the U.S. Capitol Building on Wednesday due to reports of a sink hole threat in the area.

Congressional offices received notification of the road closure through an official alert issued at 4:13 p.m. Eastern Time. “Subject: Road Closure – Egress of Southwest Drive. Due to a sink hole, the following road closure is in effect: Egress of the Southwest Drive,” the alert read, according to a report from Axios.

The alert was distributed to congressional staff, indicating that law enforcement had initiated the closure. Southwest Drive forms part of the road network serving the Capitol complex and adjacent congressional buildings.

Axios congressional reporter Andrew Solender reported the alert on X and shared images from the location. The photographs show a small section of roadway with a visible depression in the pavement.

The area was secured using yellow police line tape marked “POLICE LINE DO NOT CROSS,” orange traffic cones, and black bollards. Several individuals in uniform were also present at the scene.

Here’s the sink hole at the U.S. Capitol: https://t.co/jHjKPRuczg pic.twitter.com/hkmeoWdUKW

— Andrew Solender (@AndrewSolender) March 18, 2026

At this time, no additional information has been released regarding the dimensions of the sinkhole, its cause, or the anticipated length of the closure. Authorities have not indicated whether the issue relates to underground infrastructure such as water lines or stormwater systems, which are common factors in similar incidents in the District of Columbia.

No reports of injuries or vehicle involvement have been made public. The closure applies specifically to the egress portion of Southwest Drive and does not extend to major surrounding thoroughfares or directly affect Capitol building access.

Road networks in the complex fall under the responsibility of the Architect of the Capitol and the U.S. Capitol Police, which routinely manage access routes for staff, members of Congress, and visitors.

Congressional proceedings continued as scheduled, with the alert serving only to inform offices of the affected route. No statements or quotes from Capitol Police, the Sergeant at Arms, the Architect of the Capitol, or elected officials were issued publicly regarding the incident.

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