Traffic Alert: Auto Show Finale and Metrobus Detours Cause Sunday Delays in D.C.

Morning Overview: Winter Residuals and Event Traffic

Commuters in Washington D.C. should prepare for a complex travel environment this Sunday, February 1, 2026. While major highways like I-495 and I-395 are currently seeing light-to-moderate volume, the final day of the Washington DC Auto Show and the lingering effects of Winter Storm Fern are creating localized bottlenecks. Drivers are urged to watch for residual ice on secondary roads and overpasses, particularly in shaded areas where temperatures remain low.

Special Event Alert: DC Auto Show Final Day

The Walter E. Washington Convention Center is hosting the final day of the 2026 Washington DC Auto Show today from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Expect heavy pedestrian activity and significant vehicle congestion near 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW. Traffic is expected to peak around midday and again during the show's closing hours. Commuters should avoid 7th Street and 9th Street NW if they are not attending the event. Local parking garages are likely to reach capacity early, leading to additional circling traffic in the Chinatown and Mount Vernon Square neighborhoods.

Public Transit: Metrobus and Rail Updates

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has issued multiple alerts for Sunday. Public transport users should check their routes as approximately 20 bus alerts and 18 lines are currently impacted by a mix of construction and winter weather conditions. Key updates include:

• Metrobus Detours: Route C51 is experiencing delays in both directions due to a blocked route at 18th St NW and Kalorama Rd. Route C11 is on detour at 8th St SE and M St following a water main break. Additionally, routes A1X and C17 remain on snow-related detours in response to local road conditions.
• Metrorail Station Access: At the Navy Yard-Ballpark station, the Half Street entrance remains closed for escalator replacement. Commuters must use the New Jersey Ave entrance, which may lead to longer walking times for those attending events near the ballpark.
• Service Stability: While trains are running, residual delays have been reported on the Green Line following earlier maintenance work outside West Hyattsville.

Major Roadworks and Long-term Closures

Several ongoing construction projects continue to impact the District's major arteries. The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) advises caution in the following areas:

• Nebraska Avenue NW: Sidewalk repair work continues between Tenley Circle and Davenport Street NW. Motorists should expect moderate delays as traffic is reduced to one open travel lane.
• Theodore Roosevelt Bridge (I-66): Long-term lane reductions remain in effect, with traffic limited to three lanes to accommodate ongoing maintenance and protection shielding installation.
• Benning Road: Construction related to the Benning Road Bridges and Transportation Improvements Project continues to cause periodic shifts in traffic patterns near the Anacostia River.

Drivers are reminded to stay alert for work crews and adhere to all temporary traffic control devices throughout the city.