Metro Reroutes 3 Lines for IMF Security
Three Metro bus routes detour April 13-19 due to street closures for IMF Spring Meeting
DC Metro Reroutes 3 Bus Lines for IMF Meeting
Three Washington Metro bus routes will detour around Northwest DC next week as the city hosts the IMF and World Bank Group Spring Meeting. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority announced the temporary changes will affect routes A49, D96, and F19 from April 13-19, with street closures on H Street and 19th Street near Pennsylvania Avenue. Officials said the detours accommodate security measures for the international financial conference.
Security Closures Drive Route Changes
The detours stem from street closures required for the week-long international meeting, which draws finance ministers and central bank governors from member countries worldwide. H Street will close from 19th to 20th Street and from Pennsylvania Avenue to 20th Street, while 19th Street will close from Pennsylvania Avenue to G Street, according to WMATA. The closures affect a key corridor in Northwest DC near federal buildings and international organization headquarters. Transit agencies typically implement temporary detours for major diplomatic events requiring enhanced security perimeters.
Routes Face Different Detour Schedules
The three affected routes won't all detour simultaneously. Routes A49 and D96 will detour only from 4pm Wednesday, April 15, until 7pm Friday, April 17, coinciding with peak meeting activities. Route F19 will detour for the entire event duration, starting 3:30am Monday, April 13, and ending 2pm Sunday, April 19. The detours will primarily affect westbound and southbound buses, while most eastbound and northbound routes won't require changes. WMATA provided specific detour paths for each affected route direction, though officials haven't said how much additional travel time riders should expect.
Week-Long Implementation Spans Six Days
The detour period begins early Monday morning, April 13, at 3:30am and continues through Sunday afternoon, April 19, at 2pm. The timing allows WMATA to restore normal service before the Monday morning commute following the meeting's conclusion. Officials said the staggered detour schedules for different routes reflect varying security requirements throughout the event week.
Riders Should Plan for Route Changes
Passengers who regularly use routes A49, D96, or F19 should expect temporary stops and route changes during the detour period. WMATA encouraged riders to sign up for MetroAlerts for real-time service updates, though officials didn't specify whether alternative routes or additional service will be provided to offset the detours. Moovit provides real-time bus tracking and alternative route suggestions for Washington Metro riders navigating temporary service changes.
