DC Buses Reroute for Connecticut Avenue Work
DC bus routes D74 and D96 will detour around Connecticut Avenue underpass for year due to DDOT construction starting September 23, 2025
DC Bus Routes D74, D96 Detour for Year
Two Washington Metro bus routes will detour around Connecticut Avenue's underpass lanes for a full year starting Tuesday, September 23, 2025, transit officials said. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority announced the changes affect routes D74 and D96 due to a District Department of Transportation construction project between Dupont Circle and Q Street, NW. Riders should expect delays and plan extra travel time during the year-long detour period.
Construction Closes Key Downtown Corridor
The DDOT project targets the Connecticut Avenue underpass lanes, a critical corridor connecting downtown neighborhoods. Transit officials said the construction requires closing the underpass to through traffic, forcing buses onto surface streets. The work is scheduled to continue through September 23, 2026, affecting daily commutes for riders traveling through the Dupont Circle area. Officials didn't specify what infrastructure improvements the project will deliver, though underpass maintenance typically involves structural repairs, drainage upgrades, and roadway resurfacing.
Routes Split on Different Detour Paths
Route D74 will detour on New Hampshire Avenue in both directions, while Route D96 will only detour southbound on Q Street, transit officials said. Alternative bus stops are available on New Hampshire Avenue and 19th Street for affected routes, with additional service along Massachusetts Avenue NW and Florida Avenue NW during the construction period. Riders transferring to or from the Red Line at Dupont Circle Station can use the south/19th Street entrance instead of the north/Q Street entrance to access alternative stops more easily. Officials advised passengers to avoid the area if possible and seek alternate routes.
Detour Begins Late September 2025
The detour takes effect Tuesday, September 23, 2025, and will remain in place for exactly one year, ending September 23, 2026, according to WMATA. Transit officials said riders should allow additional travel time throughout the construction period. The agency didn't provide estimates for how much extra time trips might take, though detours on surface streets typically add 5-10 minutes to route travel times depending on traffic conditions.
Riders Can Track Detour Updates
Passengers traveling through the Dupont Circle area should plan alternate routes or expect delays during the year-long construction period. Transit officials said riders can monitor service changes as the project progresses, though specific communication plans weren't detailed. Real-time transit apps like Moovit provide updated routing and arrival times for D74 and D96 buses during the detour period.
