WMATA Routes Detour for NFL Draft Event
WMATA Routes P41, P61 detour April 23 for NFL Draft Party at Northwest Stadium
WMATA Routes P41, P61 Detour for NFL Draft Party
Two WMATA bus routes will detour Thursday due to an NFL Draft Party at Northwest Stadium, transit officials said. Route P41 eastbound will detour from 5pm to 9pm, while Route P61 will detour from 1pm to 1:30am in both directions. The changes affect service on April 23, 2026, because of a street closure on Sean Taylor Road between Sheriff Road and Ring Road.
Street Closure Prompts Service Changes
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority announced the temporary detours to accommodate the NFL Draft Party event at Northwest Stadium. The detours are necessary because Sean Taylor Road will be closed between Sheriff Road and Ring Road for the event. Route P41 westbound toward Capital Plaza won't require any detour, officials said. The advisory remains effective through April 24, 2026, as the event extends into the evening hours.
Specific Detour Times Vary by Route
Route P41 Landover Road eastbound will detour from 5pm to 9pm only on Thursday. Route P61 Glenarden-Suitland will see more extensive detours, operating on alternate routes from 1pm to 1:30am in both directions. WMATA has provided specific detour routes for each affected direction, though the exact alternate paths weren't detailed in the initial advisory. Passengers are advised to allow additional travel time and avoid the area if possible.
Event Drives Thursday Service Adjustments
The detours take effect Thursday, April 23, 2026, to accommodate the NFL Draft Party at Northwest Stadium. Service modifications will remain in place through early Friday morning, with Route P61's detour extending until 1:30am. WMATA recommends that riders sign up for MetroAlerts for real-time service information during the event.
Riders Should Plan for Delays
Passengers using Routes P41 and P61 should expect longer travel times Thursday evening due to the detours. Officials advised riders to avoid the Northwest Stadium area if possible and consider alternative routes. Moovit provides real-time updates for WMATA routes, helping riders navigate service changes and find the fastest available connections during the NFL Draft Party event.
