DC Metro Coordinates D40, D4X Detour for 7th St Work

D40 and D4X buses detour via Pennsylvania Avenue for 7th Street construction work

DC D40, D4X Buses Detour Saturday for 7th St Work

Washington's D40 and D4X bus routes will detour around construction on 7th Street NW this Saturday, affecting northbound service for nearly 11 hours. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority announced the temporary route change will run from 5:30am to 4:00pm on April 4, 2026. Southbound buses heading toward Archives won't be affected and will operate on their regular routes.

Construction Closes Downtown Block

The construction project will close northbound 7th Street NW between G Street and I Street, forcing buses to use an alternate path through downtown Washington. Transit officials said the single-day closure is part of ongoing infrastructure work in the area. The affected section sits in the heart of DC's downtown corridor, where multiple bus routes typically converge. Officials didn't specify what type of construction work necessitates the street closure.

Buses Reroute Via Pennsylvania Avenue

Northbound D40 and D4X buses heading toward Silver Spring will detour onto Pennsylvania Avenue NW at 7th Street, then return to their regular route at 7th Street and L Street NW. The detour adds several blocks to the northbound journey through downtown. Transit officials said riders should expect potential delays during the 10.5-hour construction window. The agency didn't provide estimates for how much additional travel time the detour might add to typical trips.

Single-Day Disruption Ends Saturday Afternoon

Regular service will resume after 4:00pm on April 4, with buses returning to their normal routes once construction crews clear 7th Street NW. The limited duration means Sunday service won't be affected. Transit officials characterized the project as having minimal impact on the broader Metro bus network since only northbound service on two routes requires rerouting.

Riders Can Track Real-Time Changes

Passengers traveling through downtown Washington on Saturday morning and afternoon should plan for possible delays on the affected routes. Transit officials said riders can monitor service updates through the agency's alert system. Moovit provides real-time bus tracking and alternative route suggestions for WMATA services throughout the Washington metro area, helping riders navigate temporary detours and service changes.