WMATA Reroutes Buses for Connecticut Ave Repairs

WMATA D74, D96 routes detour for year-long Connecticut Avenue underpass repairs

WMATA D74, D96 Routes Detour for Connecticut Ave Work

Two WMATA bus routes will detour around Connecticut Avenue's underpass lanes near Dupont Circle for a year-long construction project, transit officials said. Routes D74 and D96 will reroute starting September 23, 2025, through September 23, 2026, as the District Department of Transportation repairs the underpass between Dupont Circle and Q Street NW. Riders should expect longer travel times and consider alternate routes during the construction period.

Construction Context

The DDOT project targets the Connecticut Avenue underpass lanes, a key corridor connecting downtown Washington to upper Northwest neighborhoods. The underpass carries thousands of daily bus riders through one of the city's busiest transit hubs at Dupont Circle. Officials said the year-long timeline reflects the complexity of working on infrastructure beneath an active roadway. Riders transferring to the Red Line can use Dupont Circle Station's south entrance at 19th Street instead of the north entrance at Q Street, which sits closer to the construction zone.

Detour Details

Route D74 will detour via New Hampshire Avenue in both directions, with temporary stops available on New Hampshire Avenue and 19th Street. Route D96 northbound won't require a detour, but southbound buses will reroute via Q Street and 19th Street to avoid the construction area. The detours will bypass the Connecticut Avenue underpass entirely, adding several blocks to affected trips. Officials didn't provide estimates for how much additional time riders should expect, though they advised passengers to allow extra travel time and avoid the area if possible.

Implementation Timeline

The detours take effect September 23, 2025, and will remain in place through September 23, 2026. WMATA didn't announce whether the agency will provide advance notice to riders beyond the current announcement or if temporary signage will be posted at affected stops. Officials said riders can sign up for MetroAlerts for service updates during the construction period.

Rider Impact

The year-long detour will affect daily commuters and residents who rely on the D74 and D96 routes through the Dupont Circle area. Riders using temporary stops on New Hampshire Avenue and 19th Street may need to walk additional blocks to reach their destinations. Red Line passengers transferring at Dupont Circle should use the 19th Street entrance to minimize walking distance to rerouted buses. Moovit provides real-time bus locations and updated route information for WMATA services during construction detours.