DC Metro Reroutes Buses for Infrastructure Work
DC Metro routes D74, D96 detour via New Hampshire Avenue for Connecticut Avenue underpass work
DC Bus Routes D74, D96 Detour for Year
Two Washington Metro bus routes will detour around Connecticut Avenue's underpass lanes for a full year starting September 23, transit officials said. The District Department of Transportation's construction project between Dupont Circle and Q Street, NW, will force route changes affecting riders who use the busy corridor. WMATA confirmed the detour runs through September 23, 2026, and passengers should expect longer travel times during the work.
Construction Targets Key Downtown Corridor
The DDOT project focuses on the Connecticut Avenue underpass lanes, a critical section connecting Dupont Circle to Q Street in Northwest DC. Transit officials said the year-long timeline reflects the complexity of infrastructure work in the heavily trafficked area. The construction zone sits near Dupont Circle Station, one of Metro's busiest Red Line stops, where thousands of riders transfer between bus and rail service daily. Officials haven't specified what improvements the underpass work will deliver.
Route D74 Shifts to New Hampshire Avenue
Route D74 will detour via New Hampshire Avenue in both directions throughout the construction period, according to WMATA. The D96 route faces a split pattern: northbound buses won't require a detour, while southbound service will reroute via Q Street and 19th Street. Alternative bus stops are available on New Hampshire Avenue and 19th Street for affected routes, officials said. Riders transferring to or from the Red Line at Dupont Circle Station can use the south/19th Street entrance instead of the north/Q Street entrance to reach rerouted buses more easily.
Detour Begins Late September 2025
The service changes take effect September 23, 2025, and will remain in place for exactly one year, WMATA confirmed. Transit officials said riders should plan for additional travel time and consider avoiding the construction area when possible. The agency didn't provide details about how much extra time passengers should budget for trips through the affected zone.
Riders Face Extended Service Changes
The year-long detour will test patience for regular users of routes D74 and D96, particularly those who rely on Connecticut Avenue stops for daily commutes. Transit officials advised passengers to allow extra time for trips and explore alternative routes where feasible. Moovit provides real-time bus tracking and alternative route suggestions for DC Metro riders navigating the Connecticut Avenue construction detours.
