WMATA Reroutes Buses for Dupont Circle Work

WMATA D74 and D96 buses detour around Dupont Circle for year-long underpass construction

WMATA Reroutes D74, D96 Buses for Year-Long Project

Two WMATA bus routes will detour around Dupont Circle for a year starting Tuesday as construction closes Connecticut Avenue's underpass lanes. Routes D74 and D96 will reroute beginning September 23, 2025, through September 23, 2026, transit officials said. The District Department of Transportation project affects the underpass between Dupont Circle and Q Street NW.

Construction Targets Key Downtown Corridor

The DDOT construction project will close the Connecticut Avenue underpass lanes, a key route through one of Washington's busiest neighborhoods. The underpass typically carries buses and vehicles beneath Dupont Circle, connecting downtown to upper Northwest neighborhoods. Officials said the year-long timeline reflects the complexity of underground infrastructure work in the historic corridor. The project requires buses to use surface streets instead of the faster underpass route.

Routes Split on Different Detour Paths

Route D74 will detour along New Hampshire Avenue in both directions during construction, transit officials said. Route D96 will only detour southbound, using Q Street and 19th Street instead of the underpass. Alternative bus stops will be available on New Hampshire Avenue and 19th Street for affected routes. Buses will also serve stops along Massachusetts Avenue NW and Florida Avenue NW during the detour period. Red Line riders transferring at Dupont Circle Station can use the south/19th Street entrance instead of the north/Q Street entrance.

Detour Begins Late September

The detour takes effect Tuesday, September 23, 2025, and continues through Wednesday, September 23, 2026. Transit officials advised passengers to allow additional travel time and avoid the area if possible during the construction period. The agency didn't specify how much additional time riders should expect for trips through the affected area.

Riders Face Extended Service Changes

The year-long detour will affect daily commuters and residents who rely on the D74 and D96 routes through Dupont Circle. Passengers should plan for longer trip times and different stop locations during construction. Moovit provides real-time bus tracking and alternative route suggestions for WMATA services affected by the detour.