WMATA Reroutes Buses for Underpass Work

WMATA reroutes D74, D96 buses for year due to Connecticut Avenue underpass construction

WMATA Reroutes D74, D96 Buses for Year-Long Project

Two WMATA bus routes will detour around Connecticut Avenue's underpass lanes for a full year starting this fall, transit officials said. Routes D74 and D96 will reroute due to a District Department of Transportation construction project affecting the Connecticut Avenue underpass between Dupont Circle and Q Street NW. The detour takes effect September 23, 2025, and runs through September 23, 2026.

Context & Background

The year-long construction project targets the Connecticut Avenue underpass lanes, a key corridor connecting downtown Washington to upper Northwest neighborhoods. DDOT's work will close the underpass lanes completely, forcing buses that normally use this route to find alternate paths. The affected section runs beneath Dupont Circle, one of the city's busiest transit hubs where multiple bus routes converge with Red Line Metro service. Officials said the construction is necessary infrastructure work, though specific details about the project's scope weren't provided.

Key Details

Route D74 will detour along New Hampshire Avenue in both directions, avoiding the Connecticut Avenue underpass entirely. Route D96 faces a split detour pattern: northbound buses won't require rerouting, while southbound buses will detour via Q Street and 19th Street. Alternative bus stops will be available on New Hampshire Avenue and 19th Street for riders on affected routes. Officials advised passengers to allow additional travel time and avoid the construction area when possible, though they didn't specify expected delay times.

Timeline & Implementation

The detour begins September 23, 2025, and continues for exactly one year until September 23, 2026. WMATA typically posts detour notices at affected bus stops several weeks before implementation, though officials didn't confirm whether advance signage will be installed for this project. The agency said it'll provide real-time service updates throughout the construction period.

Rider Impact & Moovit

Riders transferring between buses and Metro at Dupont Circle should use the station's south entrance at 19th Street rather than the north entrance at Q Street during construction. Officials encouraged passengers to sign up for MetroAlerts for service notifications. Moovit provides real-time bus tracking and alternate route suggestions for WMATA riders navigating the Connecticut Avenue detours.