DC Buses Reroute for Connecticut Avenue Work

Routes D74 and D96 will detour around Connecticut Avenue underpass construction through 2026

DC Bus Routes D74, D96 Detour for Year

Two WMATA bus routes serving Dupont Circle will detour for a full year starting Tuesday as construction closes Connecticut Avenue's underpass lanes. Routes D74 and D96 will reroute around the work zone between Dupont Circle and Q Street NW through September 23, 2026, transit officials said. The District Department of Transportation project affects a key corridor connecting downtown to upper Northwest neighborhoods.

Context & Background

The Connecticut Avenue underpass carries thousands of daily bus riders through one of Washington's busiest transit hubs. DDOT's year-long construction timeline reflects the complexity of working beneath a major arterial road while maintaining pedestrian and vehicle access, according to the transit agency. The project coincides with ongoing infrastructure improvements across the District's core transit corridors. Officials said the work requires closing underpass lanes that buses typically use to bypass surface traffic congestion.

Key Details

Route D74 will detour along New Hampshire Avenue in both directions during construction. Route D96 northbound buses won't require rerouting, but southbound D96 service will detour via Q Street and 19th Street. Alternative bus stops are available on New Hampshire Avenue and 19th Street for affected routes. Red Line riders transferring at Dupont Circle Station should use the south/19th Street entrance rather than the north/Q Street entrance to access rerouted buses more easily.

Timeline & Implementation

The detour takes effect Tuesday, September 23, 2025, and continues through September 23, 2026. WMATA didn't specify whether the agency will conduct advance outreach at affected bus stops before implementation begins. Transit officials advised passengers to allow additional travel time and avoid the construction area when possible during the year-long project.

Rider Impact & Moovit

Commuters using Connecticut Avenue buses should expect longer trip times due to detoured routes and potential traffic delays around the construction zone. Officials encouraged riders to sign up for MetroAlerts for service updates during the project. Moovit provides real-time bus tracking and alternative route suggestions for WMATA services affected by construction detours.