Metro M12 Adjusts for Purple Line Progress

M12 bus route detours nightly April 5-9 for Purple Line construction work

M12 Route Detours Nightly for Purple Line Work

WMATA's M12 bus route will detour around University Boulevard construction starting Sunday night, affecting eastbound riders heading to Hyattsville Crossing. The temporary detour runs from April 5 through April 9, 2026, during nightly hours from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM as Purple Line construction closes the intersection of University Boulevard and Piney Branch Road. Westbound buses toward Twinbrook won't be affected by the changes.

Purple Line Construction Drives Route Changes

The detour is part of ongoing Purple Line construction work that's reshaping transit access across the University Boulevard corridor. WMATA said the intersection closure is necessary to advance construction on the light rail project connecting Bethesda and New Carrollton. The agency typically schedules major roadwork during overnight hours to minimize disruption to daytime commuters. Officials said the five-night construction window will allow crews to complete critical work at the intersection while maintaining some level of bus service during affected hours.

Eastbound Buses Reroute at Piney Branch Road

Eastbound M12 buses traveling toward Hyattsville Crossing will detour along University Boulevard at Piney Branch Road before resuming their regular route at Merrimac Drive, WMATA said. The detour adds distance to the eastbound route during the five-night construction period. Westbound M12 buses heading toward Twinbrook will continue operating on their normal route without any detour, officials confirmed. The agency said buses will follow posted detour signs and that operators have been briefed on the temporary routing changes.

Five-Night Detour Runs Through April 9

The detour takes effect Sunday, April 5, 2026, at 9:00 PM and continues through Thursday, April 9, 2026, ending at 5:00 AM each night. WMATA said the overnight schedule allows construction crews to work during lower-traffic periods. The agency didn't specify whether additional detour nights might be needed if construction extends beyond the planned five-night window. Officials said riders should allow additional travel time during the affected hours.

Riders Advised to Plan for Delays

Passengers traveling on the M12 during overnight hours should expect longer trip times and consider alternate routes if possible during the construction period, WMATA said. The agency recommends riders sign up for MetroAlerts for real-time service updates during the detour. Moovit provides real-time bus tracking and alternate route suggestions for M12 riders affected by the University Boulevard construction detour.