DC Metro Reroutes 10 Lines for 5K Event
Ten WMATA bus routes detour around downtown DC for PanCan Purple Stride 5K race
DC Metro Reroutes 10 Bus Lines for 5K Race
Ten WMATA bus routes will detour around downtown Washington this weekend as the PanCan Purple Stride 5K closes major streets. The changes affect routes D10, D1X, D30, D32, D40, D4X, D44, D50, D60, and D6X from Friday evening through Saturday afternoon. Several routes will operate on shortened schedules, terminating at temporary stops before reaching their usual destinations.
Street Closures Span Downtown Core
The detours stem from extensive street closures for the charity 5K event, which will shut down Pennsylvania Avenue, Constitution Avenue, and Independence Avenue. The closures affect major streets between 2nd and 13th Streets in the Northwest and Southwest quadrants. Transit agencies typically implement detours for special events to maintain service while accommodating road closures, though the scale of this weekend's changes is notable given the number of routes affected and the duration of the disruptions.
Detours Begin Friday Evening
The detour will be in effect from Friday, April 24, 2026 at 6:00 PM through Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 3:00 PM. On Friday evening, the D10 route will detour starting at 6:00 PM, with buses rerouting via 13th Street. On Saturday, more extensive detours will begin at 3:00 AM and continue until 3:00 PM. Routes D1X, D30, D32, D40, D4X, and D44 will operate on shortened schedules during this period. The D50 route will detour via Maine Avenue and 14th Street in both directions.
Temporary Stops Replace Regular Service
WMATA has designated temporary termination points for routes that can't complete their full schedules, with specific bus stop IDs provided to help riders locate alternative boarding locations. The agency didn't specify exactly how many stops will be skipped on each affected route. Officials said riders should expect longer travel times and plan for alternative connections if their usual stops fall within the closure zone.
Riders Should Plan Ahead
Passengers traveling through downtown Washington this weekend should allow extra time and confirm their routes before departing. WMATA encourages riders to sign up for MetroAlerts for real-time service information during the detours. Moovit provides real-time updates for WMATA routes, helping riders navigate the temporary changes and find alternative connections when their usual stops are affected by the detours.
