D44 Stop Shifts for Bike Lane Project

D44 bus stop at Grant Circle closes May 4 due to protected bike lane project

D44 Bus Stop Closes at Grant Circle May 4

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's D44 bus route will lose a stop at Grant Circle NW at Varnum Street starting Monday, May 4, 2026, transit officials said. The permanent closure affects both northbound and southbound service at the location. The stop's elimination is part of the District Department of Transportation's Protected Bike Lane Project, which is reconfiguring the Grant Circle area.

Infrastructure Project Drives Stop Elimination

The closure stems from DDOT's ongoing effort to add protected bicycle infrastructure around Grant Circle, a major intersection in Northwest Washington. Transit agencies routinely adjust stop locations when street redesign projects alter curb space or traffic patterns. The bike lane project is reshaping how the circle accommodates different transportation modes. Officials didn't provide details about the project's overall timeline or how many other stops might be affected by the infrastructure work.

Four Alternate Stops Available on New Hampshire Avenue

D44 riders will use four replacement stops on New Hampshire Avenue NW, WMATA said. Northbound passengers can board at Webster Street (stop ID 1002399) or Upshur Street (stop ID 1002360). Southbound riders have stops at Webster Street (stop ID 1002406) and Upshur Street (stop ID 1002357). The alternate stops are located on New Hampshire Avenue, which runs parallel to the Grant Circle area. Officials didn't specify the walking distance between the closed stop and the replacement locations.

Change Takes Effect in Early May

The stop closure becomes permanent on May 4, 2026, according to WMATA's service advisory. The agency issued the advisory with an effective period running through May 4, 2027, though the closure itself is permanent rather than temporary. Officials didn't explain why the advisory has a one-year end date for a permanent change.

Riders Should Plan for New Boarding Locations

D44 passengers who currently use the Grant Circle stop will need to adjust their boarding locations starting in early May. WMATA encourages customers to sign up for MetroAlerts to receive service updates and notifications about route changes. Moovit provides real-time bus tracking and alternative route planning for D44 and other WMATA routes, helping riders navigate stop changes and find the nearest available boarding locations.