Local transportation officials in Washington, DC, have issued warnings to commuters and travelers in the hope of avoiding three days of gridlock in the region due to the arrival of President Reagan’s coffin, The Washington Post reported.

Alerts sent across the East Coast advised drivers to avoid the eastern arc of the Capital Beltway on the evening of June 9, when Reagan's coffin is taken from Andrews Air Force Base to the Capitol.

Traffic problems are likely throughout the ceremonial period. Wednesday evening's rush hour may be the worst as the coffin is moved at 6 p.m. from Andrews into the District. It will be transferred from a hearse to a horse-drawn caisson for a procession that is to start near 16th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, head down Pennsylvania Avenue and arrive at the Capitol about 6:50 p.m.

As of Monday, District officials did not have a complete report of road closures, but they said that Constitution Avenue from 17th Street past the Capitol probably would be closed Wednesday from about 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Parts of Independence Avenue near the Capitol also are likely to be closed during that time.

Parking will be prohibited on Constitution Avenue NW between 17th Street NW and First Street NE from 3 p.m. Tuesday to midnight Wednesday, District transportation officials said yesterday. Cars will not be able to cross that stretch of Constitution for blocks of time between 2 and 9 p.m. Wednesday. Drivers can get updated information on the radio by tuning to 1630 AM.

The route through the suburbs has not been disclosed, but Maryland officials said they expect significant traffic tie-ups on major and secondary roads. They advise drivers to circle around the western half of the Beltway or follow Route 301.