WMATA Reroutes Buses Around Pennsylvania Ave Work

WMATA reroutes C41, C51 buses on Pennsylvania Ave SE starting March 9 due to construction

WMATA Reroutes C41, C51 Buses on Pennsylvania Ave SE

Two WMATA bus routes will detour around construction on Pennsylvania Avenue SE starting March 9, transit officials said. The C41 and C51 southbound routes will skip their regular stops at Potomac Avenue due to roadwork that'll continue until further notice. Northbound service on both routes won't be affected by the construction.

Construction Forces Route Changes

The detour stems from construction work at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue SE and Potomac Avenue, according to WMATA. Transit officials said the roadwork requires temporary route modifications to maintain service while crews complete the project. The agency didn't specify what type of construction is underway or provide an estimated completion date. WMATA typically implements detours when street projects block regular bus routes, rerouting vehicles through nearby streets to minimize rider impact.

Southbound Buses Take 17th Street Detour

The C41 southbound to Anacostia will detour via 17th Street SE at Potomac Avenue before resuming its regular route on Potomac Avenue SE at 14th Street, officials said. The C51 southbound to Anacostia will follow the same detour pattern. Both routes will skip the stop at Pennsylvania Avenue SE and Potomac Avenue during the construction period. The C41 Bladensburg Road northbound to West Hyattsville and C51 northbound to Tenleytown will operate without any detour, maintaining their regular stops and schedules.

Detour Begins March 9

The route changes take effect March 9, 2026, and will remain in place until further notice, WMATA confirmed. Officials didn't provide a timeline for when regular service will resume. Passengers are advised to allow additional travel time and avoid the area if possible during the construction period.

Riders Should Plan for Delays

Transit officials said passengers should expect minor delays and plan their trips accordingly while the detour's in effect. Riders who regularly use the Pennsylvania Avenue SE at Potomac Avenue stop will need to board at alternate locations along the detour route. WMATA encourages passengers to check for real-time service updates before traveling. Moovit provides current bus locations and adjusted routes for C41 and C51 service during the construction detour.