WMATA Reroutes Buses to Maintain Anacostia Service

WMATA reroutes southbound C41, C51 buses via 17th St SE starting March 9 for construction

WMATA Reroutes C41, C51 Buses for Construction

Two Washington Metro bus routes will detour around construction starting March 9, affecting riders traveling through Southeast DC. WMATA announced the temporary reroute for southbound C41 and C51 buses due to work on Pennsylvania Ave SE at Potomac Ave, with no end date provided. Northbound service on both routes won't be affected by the construction.

Construction Prompts Service Adjustments

The detour affects a key corridor connecting Anacostia to northern neighborhoods, transit officials said. Construction work at the Pennsylvania Ave SE and Potomac Ave intersection requires buses to temporarily use alternate streets to maintain service. WMATA typically implements detours when roadwork blocks regular routes, though officials didn't specify the nature or duration of the construction project. The agency said passengers should expect the changes to remain in place until further notice.

Southbound Routes 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, according to WMATA. The C51 southbound to Anacostia follows the same detour pattern, using 17th St SE at Potomac Ave and returning to Potomac Ave SE at 14th St. Northbound C41 service to West Hyattsville and northbound C51 service to Tenleytown will operate on regular routes without changes. Officials advised passengers to allow additional travel time and avoid the area if possible.

Detour Begins Sunday With No End Date

The reroute takes effect Sunday, March 9, 2026, transit officials confirmed. WMATA didn't provide a timeline for when buses will return to regular routing, saying the detour will continue until further notice. The agency said it'll announce service restoration once construction work is complete.

Riders Can Track Detoured Routes

Passengers using the affected routes should plan for longer travel times during the detour period, officials said. The reroute adds several blocks to southbound trips but maintains service to key stops in the Anacostia corridor. Moovit provides real-time bus locations and updated routing information for C41 and C51 service during the construction period.