DC Metro Reroutes 12 Routes for Memorial Day

12 WMATA bus routes will detour around downtown DC from 7am-7pm on Memorial Day 2026

DC Metro Reroutes 12 Bus Routes for Parade

A dozen WMATA bus routes will detour around downtown Washington on Memorial Day as the city hosts the Freedom 250 National Memorial Day Parade, transit officials said. The changes affect routes D10, D1X, D30, D32, D40, D4X, D44, D50, D5X, D60, D6X, and D74 from 7:00am to 7:00pm on Monday, May 25, 2026. Each route will operate with modified service and designated temporary stops throughout the detour period.

Context

The parade will trigger extensive street closures throughout downtown Washington, requiring buses to bypass their normal routes through the city's core, according to WMATA. Major closures include Constitution Avenue from Pennsylvania Avenue to 23rd Street NW, with the inbound I-395 at 14th Street Bridge redirecting all traffic eastbound. The agency typically implements similar detours for large-scale events in the capital, though the scope of this year's Memorial Day parade affects more routes than usual. Transit officials said the closures are necessary to accommodate parade operations and ensure public safety.

Details

The detours will impact major downtown corridors including 4th, 6th, 7th, 9th, 10th, 12th, 14th, 17th, 18th, and 19th Streets, officials said. The 12th Street Tunnel exit from Independence Avenue SW will also close during parade hours. Three routes—D50, D60, and D6X—will face additional detours from midnight to 7:15am only, though officials didn't specify why those routes require earlier modifications. Each affected route will have designated temporary stops, but WMATA hasn't released a detailed map showing exact stop locations.

Timeline

The detours take effect at 7:00am on Monday, May 25, 2026, and will remain in place until 7:00pm that evening, according to WMATA. The three routes with overnight detours will begin modified service at midnight. Officials said normal service will resume once street closures are lifted following the parade, though they didn't provide a specific time for when routes will return to regular operations.

Impact

Riders using affected routes should plan alternative travel options and allow extra time during parade hours, transit officials said. WMATA encourages passengers to sign up for MetroAlerts for real-time service updates throughout the day. Moovit provides real-time bus tracking and alternative route suggestions for WMATA services during the Memorial Day detours.