The Secret Service plans to enlarge the security perimeter around the White House amid growing concerns about intruders.

Beginning at 11 p.m. Wednesday night, tourists and passersby will be barred from the sidewalk bordering the South Lawn, according to a USA Today report. The measure creates a buffer zone between the White House fence and onlookers, pushing crowds back to the north edge of the Ellipse park.

"The Secret Service must continually evaluate security protocols and continually balance the security of our protected persons and facilities with the public’s ability to access them," Secret Service Communications Director Cathy Milhoan said.

The perimeter expansion comes follows a March incident in which a man carrying a backpack scaled the White House fence and remained on the property undetected for 17 minutes. Questions about why the man was able to remain on the property for so long fueled criticism of the long-embattled Secret Service.

Just over a week later, another man jumped the protective bicycle rack barrier at the northern side of the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue. He was arrested before making it to the White House fence itself.

The new security perimeter on the south end, which is meant to give the Secret Service more time to stop would-be intruders before they reach the fence, will be similar to the northern bicycle rack barrier.

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"Restricting public access to the fence line will not only serve to lessen the possibility of individuals illegally accessing the White House grounds, but will also create a clear visual break to enable Secret Service officers to identify and respond to potential hazards, including individuals attempting to scale the fence," Milhoan said.

The Pennsylvania Avenue barrier was created after a 2014 incident, during which an Iraq War veteran jumped the fence surrounding the North Lawn and entered the front door of the White House.