Metrorail Disruptions and I-395 Bridge Work to Impact Sunday Commute

Sunday Traffic and Transit Overview

Commuters and visitors in the District should prepare for significant travel adjustments this Sunday, February 15, 2026. Major maintenance projects on the Metrorail system and ongoing rehabilitation work on key bridge corridors are expected to create delays. While Sunday traffic is typically lighter than weekday rushes, the combination of rail closures and long-term construction projects will require extra travel time, particularly for those moving between Virginia and the District.

Metrorail Service Alerts

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has announced substantial service adjustments for the Red, Blue, and Yellow lines as part of its weekend maintenance schedule. Significant impacts include:

• Blue and Yellow Lines: No train service is available between National Airport and Pentagon City. Free shuttle buses are operating to move passengers between these stations. Notably, the Crystal City station remains closed to all passengers as crews continue construction on a new station entrance.
• Red Line: Trains are single-tracking between Silver Spring and Forest Glen to allow for leak mitigation work. Passengers should expect trains to run every 15 minutes between NoMa-Gallaudet U and Glenmont. Service between Shady Grove and NoMa-Gallaudet U will maintain a more frequent 8-minute interval.
• Green, Orange, and Silver Lines: These lines are currently operating on a normal Sunday schedule with no planned maintenance disruptions.

Roadworks and Major Arteries

Drivers should stay alert for several active construction zones across the city's major arteries. The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has highlighted the following areas for potential delays:

• I-395 HOV Bridge: Rehabilitation work continues on the I-395 HOV bridge with concrete deck replacement projects. Motorists can expect periodic lane closures and should utilize the main lanes as an alternative.
• Connecticut Avenue NW: Deckover work near Dupont Circle remains a major fixture. Service lanes are closed from Q Street to Dupont Circle, and drivers are encouraged to use 16th Street or 19th Street to bypass the area.
• Theodore Roosevelt Bridge: Ongoing traffic pattern changes are in effect. Follow posted signage closely as lane configurations may differ from standard weekend patterns.
• Maine Avenue SW: Construction near the 14th Street access road continues to impact traffic flow near the Wharf.

Event-Related Volume

Increased pedestrian and vehicular volume is expected near the Kennedy Center as the American Ballet Theatre concludes its run of "The Winter’s Tale" today. Additionally, winter attractions such as the Washington DC Auto Show and performances at the National Theatre may cause localized congestion in the Penn Quarter and Downtown areas. Commuters are advised to use navigation apps for real-time adjustments and to consider the Green or Orange lines to avoid the most significant transit delays.