DC Metro Safeguards Service Amid Construction
WMATA reroutes D50 and D1X buses Feb. 28 due to 14th Street construction work
WMATA Detours Two DC Bus Routes Feb. 28
Two major bus routes serving the Washington DC metro area will face temporary detours Feb. 28, 2026, affecting commuters traveling through the nation's capital. WMATA officials said the D50 and D1X routes will be rerouted due to construction projects on 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. The changes are classified as high severity, meaning riders should expect notable impacts to their regular travel patterns.
Construction Projects Drive Service Changes
The route modifications stem from ongoing construction work in central Washington, transit officials said. The D50 route will navigate around construction on 14th Street, while the D1X will avoid work zones on Constitution Avenue NW. Officials didn't specify how long the detours will remain in effect or provide details about the construction projects driving the changes. Transit agencies typically implement temporary detours when roadwork blocks regular bus paths, rerouting vehicles to maintain service while minimizing delays.
Routes Serve Key Commuter Corridors
The affected routes serve major corridors connecting DC with Maryland and Virginia suburbs. The D50 and D1X routes carry commuters through central Washington, though officials haven't released ridership figures for the lines. Specific details about alternative stop locations and estimated travel time increases weren't available by publication time. The agency said the detours will affect regular travel patterns for passengers who use these routes during their daily commutes.
Changes Take Effect Late February
The detours begin Feb. 28, 2026, according to WMATA. Officials didn't announce when the routes will return to their regular paths or how much advance notice riders will receive before the changes take effect. The agency typically posts detour information on digital signs at affected stops and through service alerts, though whether those notifications will be available for these specific changes wasn't confirmed.
Riders Should Plan Extra Travel Time
Commuters who regularly use the D50 or D1X routes should allow additional time for their trips starting Feb. 28, transit officials said. The high-severity classification indicates riders can expect notable delays and service disruptions during the detour period. Moovit provides real-time updates for WMATA routes, helping riders track bus locations and adjust their schedules when detours affect regular service patterns.
