DC Metro Protects Service During Underpass Upgrade

D96 bus route detoured until September 2026 due to Connecticut Avenue Underpass work

D96 Bus Detoured Through September 2026

Riders on WMATA's D96 bus route face a long-term detour affecting their daily commute through September 2026. The bus is operating on a temporary route due to construction at the Connecticut Avenue Underpass Lanes, transit officials said Tuesday. The District Department of Transportation project represents one of the longest active detours currently affecting the metro area's bus network.

Construction Impact

The Connecticut Avenue Underpass Lanes construction project requires the extended detour to ensure passenger safety and maintain traffic flow during infrastructure work, according to WMATA. District transportation officials are upgrading the underpass infrastructure, which serves as a critical connection in Northwest DC. WMATA classified the service disruption as high severity, indicating substantial changes to the route's normal path. The agency didn't provide specific details about which streets the detour uses or how much additional travel time riders should expect.

Service Details

The D96 route typically serves Connecticut Avenue corridor riders traveling between DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Officials haven't said how many daily riders are affected by the detour or whether alternative routes are available for passengers whose stops may be temporarily inaccessible. WMATA confirmed the detour will remain in place through September 2026, though officials didn't specify whether that's an estimated completion date or a firm deadline. The agency said it's monitoring the construction timeline and will adjust service as needed.

Timeline

The detour took effect recently and will continue through September 2026, according to WMATA. Officials didn't provide a specific start date for when the detour began or whether there will be any temporary suspensions of the detour during the construction period. The nearly two-year timeline reflects the complexity of the underpass infrastructure work being performed by DDOT.

Rider Information

Passengers should expect potential delays and plan extra travel time when using the D96 route during the construction period. WMATA officials said riders should check for updates on current detour routing, though specific information about affected stops wasn't immediately available. Moovit provides real-time updates for WMATA routes, including detour information and alternative travel options for affected riders.