C83 Route Adjusts for Oregon Ave Construction

WMATA C83 buses detour westbound through June as Oregon Avenue NW construction closes street

WMATA C83 Route Detours for Oregon Ave Work

Riders on WMATA's C83 Barnaby Woods-Friendship Heights bus route face a temporary detour starting Wednesday as construction closes a section of Oregon Avenue NW. The detour affects westbound buses traveling to Friendship Heights, while eastbound service to Barnaby Woods continues on its regular route. The construction work runs through June 11, 2026, transit officials said.

Construction Closes Key Northwest DC Street

The street closure affects Oregon Avenue NW between Nebraska Avenue and Lindsey Drive, a section that serves residential neighborhoods in northwest Washington. WMATA announced the detour on February 4, 2026, giving riders advance notice of the four-month construction period. Officials said the work requires a full street closure, making the regular bus route impassable. Transit agencies typically implement detours when construction projects block established routes, though officials didn't specify what type of construction work necessitates the closure.

Westbound Buses Follow Alternate Route

Westbound C83 buses will detour at Oregon Avenue NW and Lindsay Drive, then resume their regular route on Utah Place NW at 31st Place, according to WMATA. The detour adds distance to the westbound trip toward Friendship Heights. Eastbound buses heading to Barnaby Woods won't be affected and will continue on their normal route. Officials didn't provide estimates for how much additional travel time the detour might add for westbound riders.

Four-Month Timeline for Street Work

The construction work begins February 4, 2026, and continues through June 11, 2026, spanning more than four months. WMATA updated its service advisory at 2:23 PM on the first day of the detour. Officials didn't announce whether the June completion date might change or if the work could finish earlier than scheduled.

Riders Should Plan for Longer Trips

Passengers should allow extra travel time during the construction period, particularly those taking westbound buses toward Friendship Heights. WMATA encourages riders to sign up for MetroAlerts for real-time service updates as conditions change. Moovit provides current routing information for the C83 detour, helping riders plan trips and track buses in real time during the construction period.