WMATA A1X Detours for Autism 5K Sunday

WMATA A1X buses will use alternate routes for three hours Sunday morning due to race

WMATA A1X Route Detours Sunday for Autism 5K Race

WMATA's A1X bus route will detour for three hours Sunday morning as the Autism 5K Race closes streets in the Pentagon City-Braddock Road corridor. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority announced the temporary route change will affect service from 7:00am to 10:00am on April 19, 2026. Both northbound and southbound buses will use alternate paths during the event.

Street Closures Prompt Route Modifications

The race will close Potomac Avenue between Exchange Avenue and Mainland Boulevard, along with Mainland Boulevard between Potomac Avenue and Mainland Boulevard Loop, transit officials said. These closures affect the A1X's regular path between Pentagon City and Braddock Road, requiring buses to use transitway alternatives during the morning event. WMATA typically coordinates with community events to minimize rider disruption while supporting local activities. The three-hour window allows the race to proceed while limiting impact on Sunday transit service.

Detour Routes Outlined for Both Directions

Northbound buses heading toward Pentagon City will detour onto Potomac Yard Transitway at E Glebe Road before resuming the regular route on Potomac Avenue at E Reed Avenue, according to WMATA. Southbound buses traveling toward Braddock Road will take the opposite path, detouring on Potomac Avenue at E Reed Avenue and returning to the standard route via Route 1 Transitway at E Glebe Road. The detours use existing transitway infrastructure to maintain service continuity. Officials said buses will serve stops along the detour paths, though some regular stops on closed streets won't be accessible during the race.

Service Returns to Normal by Mid-Morning

Regular A1X service will resume after 10:00am once race organizers reopen the affected streets, transit officials confirmed. WMATA didn't specify how many trips will operate during the detour period or whether headways will change from typical Sunday schedules. The agency said it coordinates with event organizers to restore normal operations as quickly as possible after street closures end.

Riders Encouraged to Plan Ahead for Sunday Travel

Passengers traveling through the affected area Sunday morning should expect slightly longer travel times and different stop locations during the detour period. WMATA operates the A1X as part of its regional bus network connecting Pentagon City and Braddock Road via the Potomac Yard corridor. Moovit provides real-time bus locations and service alerts for WMATA routes, helping riders track A1X buses during the temporary detour and plan alternative connections if needed.