Metro Adjusts 9 Routes for Cherry Blossom Parade

Nine WMATA bus routes will detour April 11 from 3am to 6pm for Cherry Blossom Parade

DC Metro Reroutes 9 Bus Lines for Cherry Blossom

Nine WMATA bus routes will detour Saturday for the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, transit officials announced. The changes affect routes D30, D32, D40, D4X, D44, D50, D5X, D60, and D6X from 3:00am until 6:00pm on April 11. Riders should expect delays and plan for extra travel time as buses operate to temporary stops throughout Washington, DC.

Street Closures Drive Service Changes

The detours are necessary to accommodate extensive street closures along the parade route, according to the transit agency. Major thoroughfares including Constitution Avenue, Pennsylvania Avenue, and several numbered streets in Northwest and Southwest DC will be closed to traffic. The closures will also affect the inbound I-395 at the 14th St Bridge and access to the 12th St Tunnel from the I-395 ramp. Transit agencies typically implement service modifications during major civic events to ensure public safety while maintaining mobility for residents and visitors.

Route-Specific Modifications Planned

Each of the nine affected bus routes will follow specific detour instructions with temporary stops and modified routing, officials said. WMATA didn't provide detailed stop-by-stop changes for individual routes in its initial announcement. The agency said buses will operate to temporary stops where regular stops are inaccessible due to street closures. Officials encouraged riders to check for route-specific details before traveling, though the exact locations of all temporary stops weren't immediately available.

15-Hour Detour Window Set

The detours take effect at 3:00am Saturday, April 11, and continue until 6:00pm that evening, officials confirmed. The extended timeframe allows for parade setup, the event itself, and post-parade street clearing. WMATA typically restores normal service once street closures are lifted and it's safe for buses to resume regular routes.

Riders Urged to Plan Ahead

Passengers should allow additional travel time and expect delays throughout the detour period, transit officials said. WMATA offers MetroAlerts for real-time service updates, though riders can also check Moovit for current bus locations and adjusted schedules during the detour. The Cherry Blossom Festival draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to the nation's capital each spring, making advance trip planning essential for anyone traveling through downtown Washington on parade day.