WMATA Reroutes Buses Around Construction Zone

WMATA C41, C51 buses detour via 17th St SE starting March 9 due to construction work

WMATA Reroutes C41, C51 Buses on Pennsylvania Ave SE

Two WMATA bus routes will detour around construction on Pennsylvania Ave SE at Potomac Ave starting March 9, affecting southbound service to Anacostia. The C41 and C51 routes will bypass the construction zone until further notice, transit officials said. Northbound service on both routes won't be affected by the detour.

Construction Forces Route Changes

The detour stems from construction work at the Pennsylvania Ave SE and Potomac Ave intersection, requiring temporary route modifications for buses heading toward Anacostia. WMATA typically implements detours when roadwork blocks regular bus paths, rerouting vehicles to maintain service while construction proceeds. Officials didn't specify what type of construction is underway or provide an estimated completion date. Transit agencies generally coordinate with city departments on road projects that affect bus operations, though details about the construction timeline weren't available.

Southbound Buses Take 17th Street Detour

The C41 southbound to Anacostia will detour via 17th St SE at Potomac Ave before resuming its regular route on Potomac Ave SE at 14th St, officials said. The C51 southbound to Anacostia will follow the same detour pattern. Northbound service remains unchanged, with the C41 Bladensburg Rd to West Hyattsville and C51 U St-Anacostia to Tenleytown operating on regular routes. Officials advised passengers to allow additional travel time and avoid the area if possible.

Detour Begins March 9, Duration Unclear

The route changes take effect March 9, 2026, and will continue until further notice, according to WMATA. Officials haven't announced when the detour will end or provided a timeline for the underlying construction project. The agency said it'll maintain the temporary routing until the Pennsylvania Ave SE work is complete.

Riders Should Plan for Delays

Passengers using the affected routes should expect slightly longer travel times due to the detour, officials said. The reroute adds several blocks to southbound trips before buses return to their regular paths. Riders can check Moovit for real-time bus locations and updated arrival times during the detour period.