DC C81 Bus Reroutes for Kennedy Street Work
WMATA C81 bus detours around Kennedy Street NW starting June 30 due to construction closure
DC C81 Bus Reroutes June 30 for Road Work
WMATA's C81 bus route will detour around Kennedy Street NW starting June 30 due to construction between 13th and 14th streets. The closure affects service in both directions between Fort Totten and Sibley Hospital, with no end date announced. Transit officials said riders should expect longer travel times and consider alternate routes during the construction period.
Construction Closes Kennedy Street Block
The construction work requires a full closure of Kennedy Street NW between 13th and 14th streets, forcing route modifications for the crosstown bus line. WMATA announced the detour in an advisory last updated Monday, April 13 at 3:30 PM. The C81 typically serves neighborhoods between Fort Totten Metro station and Sibley Hospital in Northwest DC. Officials didn't specify what type of construction necessitates the closure or provide cost estimates for the project.
Buses Split Into Two Detour Paths
Eastbound buses heading 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 toward Sibley Hospital will detour on Kennedy Street NW at 5th Street, rejoining the standard route on Military Road NW at 16th Street. The detours create different paths for each direction rather than a single reroute. Officials said passengers should allow additional travel time and avoid the construction area if possible.
Detour Continues Until Further Notice
The route changes take effect June 30, 2025, and will remain in place until further notice, according to WMATA. Officials haven't provided a timeline for when construction will be completed or when regular C81 service will resume on Kennedy Street NW. The agency said it'll update riders through its MetroAlerts system as the project progresses.
Riders Can Track Changes Through Alerts
Passengers who regularly use the C81 should plan for longer trips and potential schedule adjustments during the detour period. WMATA encourages riders to sign up for MetroAlerts to receive updates about service changes and construction progress. Moovit provides real-time bus tracking and alternate route suggestions for C81 riders affected by the Kennedy Street closure.
