It’s time once again for the president’s State of the Union address tonight, the annual ritual that finds geeky Washington residents gathered in pubs all over town to raise a glass every time Bush utters the words “democracy” or “terror” (or whichever word you fancy most for your SOTU drinking game).

As per usual, traffic around the Capitol will be all jacked up beginning at 6 p.m. and getting progressively worse until after the speech is over (it starts at 9 p.m.). A sane person would just avoid being anywhere near the Hill tonight unless you absolutely have to be there, but in case you do, here’s the specifics to keep in mind on your way home tonight, via NBC4:

>> At 6 p.m., the Capitol Square will be closed off to authorized pedestrians only.

>> At 7:30 p.m. until the end of the speech, the following streets will be closed:

* D Street between Second Street NE and Louisiana Avenue NW
* C Street between Second Street NE and Louisiana Avenue NW
* Constitution Avenue between Second Street NE and Louisiana Avenue NW
* Delaware Avenue between Columbus Circle and Constitution Avenue in NE
* New Jersey Avenue between Louisiana Avenue and D Street in NW
* Pennsylvania Avenue between First Street and Third Street in NW
* East Capitol Street between Second Street and First Street NE/SE
* First Street between Columbus Circle NE and C Street SE
* First Street between Louisiana Avenue NW and Washington Avenue SW
* Pennsylvania Avenue between Third Street and First Street in NW
* Maryland Avenue between First Street and Third Street in SW
* Independence Avenue between Second Street SE and Washington Avenue SW
* C Street between First Street SE and Washington Avenue SW
* Delaware Avenue between Washington Avenue and C Street in SW
* New Jersey Avenue between Independence Avenue and D Street in SE
* South Capitol Street between Independence Avenue and D Street SE/SW

>> WMATA is also warning Metro riders to expect an increased police presence tonight. Metro Transit Police and Transportation Security Administration teams, which include federal air marshals, will help patrol Metro stations near the Capitol.

Photo by afagen