Red Line Single Tracking and Extensive Paving Projects Slow Thursday Commute

Morning Commute Overview

Commuters in Washington D.C. should prepare for a challenging trip this Thursday, February 12, 2026. A combination of emergency rail repairs, ongoing major infrastructure projects, and citywide paving operations is expected to impact travel times across the District. Whether you are utilizing the Metrorail system or navigating the city's major arteries, allowing an additional 20 to 30 minutes of travel time is strongly advised.

Metrorail and Bus Service Alerts

The most significant disruption this morning is on the Metrorail Red Line. Due to a cracked rail discovered near Woodley Park, trains are currently single tracking between Van Ness-UDC and Dupont Circle. Commuters should expect delays in both directions as Metro crews work to address the structural issue. Additionally, planned work continues on the northern end of the Red Line, with single tracking also in effect between Silver Spring and Forest Glen.

• Red Line: Delays between Van Ness and Dupont Circle (emergency repairs) and Silver Spring to Forest Glen (planned work).
• Navy Yard-Ballpark: The Half Street entrance remains closed for escalator replacement; please use the New Jersey Avenue entrance.
• Metrobus Detours: A water main break at 14th Street NW and L Street has forced detours for several routes, including the D50 and D5X. Passengers should check real-time tracking for the latest stop adjustments.
• Special Event: The "Walk for Peace" event is scheduled for today, which may cause intermittent delays for bus routes A49, A58, C51, C85, C91, and D10.

Major Roadworks and Arterial Delays

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has several high-impact projects active this week. Most notably, the I-395 HOV Bridge Rehabilitation project involves concrete deck replacement, impacting lanes in both northbound and southbound directions. Additionally, the Connecticut Avenue NW Deckover work continues to keep service lanes closed from Q Street to Dupont Circle, creating bottlenecks in the Heart of the District.

Paving operations under the PaveDC initiative are also active in several wards today, weather permitting:

• Ward 1: Paving on Georgia Avenue NW between Howard Place and Euclid Street.
• Ward 3: Nebraska Avenue NW between Massachusetts Avenue and 39th Street.
• Ward 4: 16th Street NW between Colorado Avenue and Arkansas Avenue; Georgia Avenue NW between Aspen Street and Elder Street.
• Dalecarlia Parkway NW: Expect weekday lane closures as part of an ongoing rehabilitation project.

Commuter Advice

For those traveling between Virginia and D.C., the I-395 HOV restrictions will be the primary source of congestion. Drivers on the eastern side of the city should remain alert for sidewalk repair projects on New York Avenue NW (near 1st Street) and Independence Avenue SE/SW, which may result in temporary curb-lane closures. Transit riders are encouraged to use the Green or Yellow lines as alternatives to the Red Line where possible to avoid the single-tracking delays near Woodley Park.