Blue and Yellow Line Closures and Roosevelt Bridge Detours Impact Saturday Commutes

Weekend Travel Overview

For Saturday, February 21, 2026, commuters and visitors in Washington D.C. should prepare for significant disruptions on the Metrorail system and major bridge detours. While regional traffic on the Beltway remains steady, localized construction projects and a major transit shutdown in Northern Virginia will require extra travel time.

Metrorail Service Alerts

The most substantial impact this weekend is on the Blue and Yellow lines. Due to the ongoing construction of a new mezzanine at the Crystal City station, service is suspended between National Airport and Pentagon City. Travelers should note the following:

• Crystal City Station: The station is closed all day Saturday.
• Free Shuttle Buses: Buses are replacing trains between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Pentagon City.
• Service Intervals: Trains are running every 12 minutes between Huntington and National Airport (Yellow Line) and between Franconia-Springfield and National Airport (Blue Line). Service from Pentagon City toward Greenbelt and Downtown Largo is also operating every 12 minutes.
• Entrance Closures: At the Navy Yard-Ballpark station, the Half Street entrance remains closed for escalator replacement. Commuters should use the New Jersey Avenue entrance instead.

Major Roadworks and Bridge Delays

Motorists crossing the Potomac River face restricted capacity on the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge. As part of a long-term deck replacement project, the bridge is reduced from three lanes to two in each direction. Crucially, the eastbound ramp from Arlington Boulevard (Route 50) is closed. Drivers are advised to use the Arlington Memorial Bridge or the Francis Scott Key Bridge as alternatives.

Other notable road projects include:

• I-395 HOV Bridge: Rehabilitation work continues on the northbound and southbound HOV lanes, with potential for shifted lane patterns.
• Pennsylvania Avenue SE: A roadway project between 27th Street SE and Alabama Avenue SE may cause intermittent lane closures and flagging.
• Georgia Avenue NW: Construction work between Girard Street and Howard Place NW is expected to cause localized delays throughout the day.
• Independence Avenue SW: Ongoing sidewalk repairs between 9th and 12th Streets SW may result in curb lane closures.

Event and Airport Advisories

Aviation disruptions at both Reagan National (DCA) and Dulles International (IAD) are causing moderate congestion on airport access roads today. Travelers are urged to monitor flight statuses and allow an additional 30 to 45 minutes for security and drop-off due to high passenger volumes and staffing shortages. Additionally, localized traffic is expected near the RFK Campus for the Farmers and Flea Market until 3:00 p.m., and near the CareFirst Arena this evening for scheduled sporting events.