DC Metro Reroutes 12 Lines for Parade
Twelve WMATA bus routes will detour around downtown Washington from 7am to 7pm Monday
DC Metro Reroutes 12 Bus Lines for Memorial Day Parade
Twelve WMATA bus routes will detour around downtown Washington on Memorial Day as the Freedom 250 National Memorial Day Parade closes major streets, transit officials said. The changes affect the D10, D1X, D30, D32, D40, D4X, D44, D50, D5X, D60, D6X, and D74 routes from 7:00am to 7:00pm on Monday, May 25, 2026. Several routes will operate with shortened service, terminating at various downtown locations rather than completing their full routes.
Street Closures Force Major Service Changes
The parade will trigger extensive street closures throughout downtown Washington, requiring significant route modifications. Constitution Avenue from Pennsylvania Avenue to 15th Street NW will close completely, along with the inbound I-395 at the 14th Street Bridge, with all traffic diverted eastbound. Bus stops will be relocated to temporary locations throughout the affected area, though officials haven't specified exact alternate stop locations. Transit agencies typically implement such detours for major downtown events that draw large crowds and require security perimeters.
Two Routes Face Extended Overnight Detours
The D50 and D5X routes will face additional detours beyond the parade hours, operating on modified paths from midnight to 7:15am on May 25. The early-morning changes reflect street closures implemented ahead of the parade for security and setup purposes. All 12 affected routes will operate on detours during the main 7:00am to 7:00pm window when the parade takes place. The detours will affect major corridors including Pennsylvania Avenue, Constitution Avenue, and 14th Street, forcing buses onto alternate downtown streets.
Changes Take Effect Monday Morning
The detours take effect at 7:00am Monday, May 25, 2026, and will remain in place through 7:00pm that evening. The D50 and D5X routes begin their modified service earlier, at midnight, to accommodate pre-parade street closures. Officials said normal service will resume once parade-related street closures are lifted, though they haven't specified an exact time for when routes will return to regular paths.
Riders Should Plan Extra Travel Time
Passengers should expect delays and plan extra travel time for trips through downtown Washington on Memorial Day. WMATA encourages riders to sign up for MetroAlerts for real-time service updates as conditions change throughout the day. Moovit provides real-time bus tracking and alternative route suggestions for WMATA services during the detours.
