C81 Bus Reroutes Around Kennedy Street Work

C81 bus route detours around Kennedy Street NW construction zone starting June 30

C81 Bus Detours on Kennedy Street Start June 30

Washington's C81 bus route will detour around Kennedy Street NW starting June 30 due to construction between 13th and 14th streets, WMATA officials said. The detour will remain in effect until further notice, though officials haven't specified when construction will be complete. Riders heading to Fort Totten or Sibley Hospital should expect route changes and longer travel times.

Construction Closes Kennedy Street Segment

The construction project requires a full closure of Kennedy Street NW between 13th and 14th streets, forcing the temporary route modification. WMATA typically implements detours when street closures prevent buses from accessing their regular routes. Officials didn't provide details about the nature of the construction work or which agency is managing the project. The closure affects a key segment of the C81's regular path through the neighborhood.

Eastbound and Westbound Routes Diverge

Eastbound C81 buses traveling toward Fort Totten will detour via Military Road NW at 14th Street, then resume the regular route on Kennedy Street NW at Georgia Avenue. Westbound buses heading to Sibley Hospital will detour on Kennedy Street NW at 5th Street, resuming the regular route on Military Road NW at 16th Street. The detour paths create different routing for each direction. Officials advised passengers to allow additional travel time and avoid the area if possible.

Detour Takes Effect Monday Morning

The route changes take effect June 30, 2025, and will continue until construction is complete. WMATA updated the service advisory on Monday, April 13 at 3:30 PM. Officials haven't announced when they'll provide updates on construction progress or an estimated completion date. The agency typically posts service alerts several weeks before major changes, giving riders time to plan alternate routes.

Riders Can Track Route Changes

C81 riders should plan for longer commutes and consider alternate routes during the construction period. Officials said passengers can check for real-time updates as the detour continues. Moovit provides current routing information and trip planning for WMATA's bus network, including temporary detours and service changes. The C81 typically serves neighborhoods between Fort Totten and Sibley Hospital via Kennedy Street.