WMATA C81 Reroutes Around Kennedy Street Work
WMATA C81 bus detours around Kennedy Street NW construction until May 2026
WMATA C81 Bus Detours on Kennedy Street NW
WMATA's C81 bus route is detouring around Kennedy Street NW construction between 13th and 14th streets, affecting riders traveling between Fort Totten and Sibley Hospital. The detour began June 30 and will continue through May 11, 2026, transit officials said. Passengers should expect route changes in both directions and allow extra travel time.
Construction Closes Kennedy Street Segment
The detour stems from construction work requiring full closure of Kennedy Street NW between 13th and 14th streets, according to WMATA. Route C81 typically serves this corridor as part of its connection between Fort Totten Metro station and Sibley Hospital in Northwest DC. The agency updated its service advisory Monday, April 13 at 3:30 PM, confirming the extended timeline for construction-related detours. Officials didn't specify the nature of the construction project or which agency is performing the work.
Buses Reroute via Military Road
Eastbound C81 buses heading toward Fort Totten will detour via Military Road NW at 14th Street, then resume regular routing on Kennedy Street NW at Georgia Avenue, WMATA said. Westbound buses toward Sibley Hospital will turn from Kennedy Street NW at 5th Street, then rejoin the standard route on Military Road NW at 16th Street. The detours affect all C81 service through the construction zone, though officials didn't say whether the rerouting adds significant time to trips or causes buses to skip specific stops.
Detour Extends Through May 2026
The C81 detour will remain in effect through May 11, 2026, according to WMATA's latest advisory. Officials said the timeline will continue "until further notice," suggesting the end date could shift based on construction progress. The agency advised passengers to allow additional travel time and avoid the area if possible. WMATA didn't provide updates on whether Route C91, which also serves Kennedy Street NW, faces similar detours from the same construction work.
Riders Can Track Route Changes
Passengers traveling through the affected area should plan for modified routing and potential delays during the 11-month construction period. WMATA encourages riders to sign up for MetroAlerts for real-time service updates. Moovit provides current C81 routing information and alternative travel options for trips affected by the Kennedy Street detour.
