Icy Roads and Delayed Starts: Thursday Commute Update for Washington D.C.

Morning Commute Overview

Commuters in the Washington D.C. area should prepare for a challenging morning on Thursday, January 29, 2026. While major highways have been treated, secondary and residential streets remain hazardous following the significant winter storm earlier this week. District officials have issued a Cold Alert as wind chills are expected to make temperatures feel like 15 degrees Fahrenheit or lower throughout the day. Due to the lingering ice and ongoing cleanup efforts, the District of Columbia Government and D.C. Courts will operate on a delayed schedule, officially opening at 10:00 a.m. D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) are also following a two-hour delayed start, while several suburban districts, including Montgomery County, Arlington County, and Prince George's County, have opted to remain closed entirely today.

Public Transportation and Metro Service

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is operating under modified service conditions due to the weather. Commuters should check their specific lines before heading out as several adjustments are in place:

• Metrorail: Trains are currently operating on a Sunday schedule to ensure safety across the system. This means longer headways between trains.
• Silver Line: Due to winter weather impacts, Silver Line trains are only operating between Ashburn and Downtown Largo. Riders heading toward New Carrollton must transfer to the Orange Line to complete their trip.
• Bus Service: Metrobus is operating with significant alerts. Over 100 bus routes are currently affected by detours or delays due to impassable secondary roads. Expect limited service and potential cancellations on neighborhood-specific routes.
• Escalator Maintenance: Riders at the Foggy Bottom-GWU station should be aware that the escalator between the street and mezzanine levels is out of service for repairs.

Major Roadworks and Arterial Impacts

Several major construction projects and emergency repairs are complicating the morning drive. Commuters are advised to avoid the following areas or plan for significant delays:

• I-395 HOV Bridge: A right-lane closure is in effect on the I-395 HOV Bridge from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. today for concrete deck replacement work. This is expected to cause congestion for those moving between Virginia and the District.
• Downtown Water Main Repairs: Emergency utility work at 14th Street and I Street NW has resulted in localized road closures. Motorists should expect delays in the 800 block of 14th Street and the 1300 block of I Street as DC Water continues repairs.
• Nebraska Avenue NW: Sidewalk and infrastructure repairs continue between Tenley Circle and Davenport Street NW. Temporary lane closures are expected between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
• Bridge Maintenance: Single lane closures may be encountered on the 11th Street Bridge and parts of I-695 as crews perform preventive maintenance and scupper cleaning.

Commuter Safety Advice

Travelers are urged to limit unnecessary trips while ice removal continues. If you must drive, be vigilant for black ice, particularly on bridges, overpasses, and shaded neighborhood streets. Pedestrians are also advised to use caution on sidewalks and near Metro station entrances, as refreezing overnight has left many surfaces slippery. For those using public transit, utilize the MetroPulse app for real-time tracking to minimize time spent waiting in the extreme cold.