The United States yesterday urged its citizens to avoid travel in downtown Toronto during the G20 summit from June 26 to 27, warning of traffic jams and the risk of protests turning violent.

"Protesters are expected to gather in Toronto in the days leading up to the summit and access to parts of the downtown area will be restricted due to security requirements," the State Department said in a travel alert.

"Even demonstrations that are meant to be peaceful can become violent and unpredictable. You should avoid them if at all possible. Be alert and aware of your surroundings and pay attention to what the local news media has to say."

The State Department also urged Americans to anticipate "significant traffic disruption" in the heart of Toronto during the summit, as the Canadian government built a temporary fence in the area of the Convention Centre.

"US citizens should avoid travelling in or through downtown Toronto during the summit, if possible," it added.

It also advised Americans to be aware of increased security in Huntsville, Ontario from June 25 to June 26 while Canada hosts the G8 summit in the runup to the Group of 20 event.

But it said that "because of limited hotel space and Huntsville's location three hours away from Toronto, the (State) Department does not expect significant protest activity in the Huntsville area."

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