DC Metro Adjusts C53 Stops for Construction

Two C21 and C53 bus stops on Alabama Avenue SE relocate May 4 due to construction

DC Metro Relocates C53 Bus Stops on Alabama Ave

Two bus stops on Alabama Avenue SE at 13th Street will relocate starting May 4, affecting riders on routes C21 and C53, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority announced. The westbound stop will move temporarily for two years while the eastbound stop shifts permanently, both due to construction. Officials said passengers should allow extra time and plan for the changes.

Construction Drives Two-Year Relocation

The stop relocations are necessary to accommodate ongoing construction in the area, according to WMATA. Transit agencies typically relocate stops when roadwork, utility projects, or development make existing locations inaccessible or unsafe. The westbound relocation will last through May 4, 2028, while the eastbound change is permanent. Officials didn't specify what construction project is driving the modifications, though the different durations suggest the westbound area faces more extensive work.

Stops Move Hundreds of Feet in Opposite Directions

The westbound bus stop at Stop ID #1003588 will move approximately 280 feet west, across 13th Street near the Whitman-Walker Max Robinson Center, WMATA said. Passengers using the eastbound stop will find their new boarding location about 100 feet east toward Bard High School Early College. Both routes C21 and C53 serve the affected stops. Officials said customers will be able to board and exit buses at the temporary and new permanent locations without service interruptions.

Changes Take Effect May 4, 2026

Both stop relocations begin Monday, May 4, 2026, according to WMATA. The westbound temporary stop will remain in place through Thursday, May 4, 2028. Officials encouraged customers to sign up for MetroAlerts for ongoing service information, though they didn't say whether additional notifications will be posted at the affected stops before the changes take effect.

Riders Should Plan for Longer Walks

Passengers should plan accordingly and allow extra time for their journeys during the relocation period, WMATA said. The stop moves mean riders will walk different distances to reach their buses, with westbound passengers traveling an additional 280 feet and eastbound riders walking 100 feet from the original locations. Moovit provides real-time bus locations and updated stop information for WMATA routes, helping riders navigate the temporary and permanent changes.