Rolling Closures and Metrobus Detours for 'Walk for Peace' Pilgrimage Today

Major Traffic Disruptions Expected for 'Walk for Peace'
Commuters in downtown Washington, D.C. should prepare for significant travel disruptions today, Wednesday, February 11, 2026, as the 'Walk for Peace' pilgrimage concludes its final leg. The Metropolitan Police Department has confirmed that rolling road closures will be implemented throughout the day to accommodate the procession of participants. Motorists are advised to expect heavy congestion in the Northwest and Capitol Hill areas.
- Morning Window (9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.): Rolling closures will affect 23rd Street NW between H Street and Constitution Avenue, as well as Constitution Avenue NW from 23rd Street to Pennsylvania Avenue.
- Midday Impact (11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.): Significant delays are expected near the Peace Monument on Capitol Hill and St. Mark's Capitol Hill Church as the walk makes scheduled stops.
- Evening Window (4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.): A final round of rolling closures will impact 23rd Street NW from the Lincoln Memorial Circle to G Street NW.
Highway Roadworks and Infrastructure Updates
In addition to event-related closures, several major roadwork projects are impacting traffic flow on primary arteries today:
- I-395 HOV Bridge: A concrete deck replacement project is ongoing this week. Commuters should expect lane restrictions on both northbound and southbound segments of the HOV bridge, potentially causing backups during peak hours.
- I-495 (Capital Beltway): The '495 NEXT' project continues to affect the Northern Extension. While much of the heavy work is slated for overnight hours, daytime shoulder closures and ramp narrows near the George Washington Memorial Parkway may cause merging delays.
- Connecticut Avenue NW: Long-term deckover work continues between Q Street and Dupont Circle. Service lanes remain closed, and drivers should be prepared for altered traffic patterns in the area.
Public Transport and Metrobus Service Alerts
WMATA has issued service alerts for over 30 bus lines today due to the Walk for Peace event. Riders on major routes, including the A49, A58, C51, D80, and D96, should anticipate delays and potential temporary detours. In addition to event impacts, the following localized issues are reported:
- Route C13: Northbound and southbound detours are in effect at Southern Avenue SE and Wheeler Road due to an emergency water main break.
- Route P87: Westbound and eastbound buses are detouring at Brinkley Road due to ongoing utility repairs.
- Rail Notice: The Half Street entrance at the Navy Yard-Ballpark Station remains closed for escalator replacement through March. The New Jersey Avenue entrance is open for all passengers.
Strategic Commuter Advice
To avoid the heaviest delays, residents are encouraged to bypass the Foggy Bottom and National Mall corridors during the morning and late afternoon closure windows. Metrorail remains the most reliable option for reaching the city center today, though bus riders should use real-time tracking apps to monitor for schedule adjustments caused by the rolling street closures.