WMATA Reroutes 10 Lines for Downtown 5K
Ten WMATA bus routes detour around downtown DC for PanCan Purple Stride 5K race
WMATA Reroutes 10 Bus Lines for 5K Race
Ten WMATA bus routes will detour around downtown Washington this weekend as the PanCan Purple Stride 5K closes major streets. The detours affect routes D10, D1X, D30, D32, D40, D4X, D44, D50, D60, and D6X from Friday evening through Saturday afternoon, transit officials said. Several routes will terminate at temporary stops rather than their regular destinations during the event.
Street Closures Span Nine-Block Area
The race will close Pennsylvania Avenue, Constitution Avenue, and surrounding streets between 3rd Street and 12th Street NW, according to WMATA. The agency typically implements detours for large downtown events that require extensive street closures in the federal district. The PanCan Purple Stride 5K is an annual fundraising event for pancreatic cancer research that draws thousands of participants to the National Mall area.
Two Detour Periods With Different Routes
The detours will be in effect from Friday, April 24, 2026 at 6:00 PM through Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 3:00 PM, with different routing patterns for two time periods. Friday evening detours run from 6:00 PM to 3:00 AM, while Saturday detours operate from 3:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The D10 Pennsylvania Avenue route will have separate detour patterns for eastbound and westbound directions during both periods. On Saturday, routes D1X, D30, D32, D40, D4X, D44, D60, and D6X will operate between their origin stations and designated temporary bus stops rather than completing their full routes.
Service Returns Saturday Afternoon
All affected routes will resume normal service after 3:00 PM on Saturday, April 25, once street closures are lifted. WMATA didn't specify exact locations of temporary bus stops but said passengers should expect longer travel times and potential crowding during the detour period. The agency said it coordinates with event organizers weeks in advance to minimize disruption to regular service.
Riders Should Plan Extra Travel Time
Passengers traveling through downtown Washington this weekend should allow additional time and check for service updates before departing. Some riders may need to walk farther than usual to reach temporary bus stops or transfer points. Moovit provides real-time updates for WMATA routes, including detour information and temporary stop locations during special events.
