For immediate release: December 21, 2022

Road closures to impact Metrobus, MetroAccess around U.S. Capitol ahead of Joint Session of Congress, beginning at 4 p.m.

Metro is advising customers of road closures for national security and safety around the White House and U.S. Capitol beginning at 4 p.m. today through the conclusion of tonight's Joint Session of Congress. The closures will affect Metrobus routes 32 and 36, as well as MetroAccess service in the area. 

Metrobus service on these routes will be detoured and may experience delays. Routes in the downtown area may also experience residual delay impacts. Customers should allow additional travel time or consider Metrorail as an alternative. 

The following roads will be closed to the public by U.S. Capitol Police for safety and security purposes beginning at 4 p.m.: 

  • First St between Constitution Ave NW and Independence Ave SW
  • Pennsylvania Ave between First St NW and Third St NW
  • Maryland Ave between First St SW and Third St SW
  • First St between Constitution Ave NE and Independence Ave SE
  • East Capitol St between First St and Second St
  • Maryland Ave between First St NE and Constitution Ave NE

 Additional roads will be closed beginning at 5 p.m.as follows: 

  • Independence Ave between Washington Ave SW and Second St SE
  • Constitution Ave between Louisiana Ave NW and Second St NE

Due to the road closures, MetroAccess will not be able to provide service during this time to customers traveling to/from the secure area. Every effort will be made to provide pick-up and drop-off service as close as possible to your location. For assistance, MetroAccess customer service representatives are available during all MetroAccess operating hours. Call 301-562-5360, press 2 for trip status, and then press 2 to speak to a customer service representative (TTY 301-588-7535).


Metro customers service teams are also available seven days a week from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. weekdays, and weekends from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Representatives respond to Twitter, Facebook and Instagram social posts, emails and chat conversations. Customers may also get information by calling 202-637-7000 or visiting wmata.com.

Metro will notify customers when detours are lifted and roads reopen. Sign up for MetroAlerts text or email messages, follow us on Twitter @MetrobusInfo, @MetrorailInfo and @wmata, or check our website at wmata.com/alerts for the latest service information.