New bus loop and DC public library at Congress Heights station

New Congress Heights Library by DC Public Library, at Congress Heights station

Beginning August 3, the existing Kiss & Ride lot at Congress Heights is closing permanently to allow construction to begin on the new Congress Heights Library being built by DC Public Library. In coordination with Metro, the DC Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) and DC Department of General Services (DGS) will also build a new bus loop and other transit improvements in a separate project.

• Customers will continue to be able to ride Metro Rail and Metro Bus at Congress Heights for the entirety of the construction.
• Bus stops will be relocated offsite near the station, and customers will be provided notice via signage for the coming relocations.
• The Kiss & Ride lot at Congress Heights Station is closing. 

The bus loop project seeks to improve the customer experience through investments in a new bus loop with seven bays, new bicycle lockers and racks, and an on-street Kiss & Ride area along Alabama Av SE and 13th St SE. A new traffic signal will be installed at the bus loop exit at Alabama Av SE. The new bus loop is being built by the District of Columbia Department of General Services. The bus loop project will conclude in summer 2027.

DC Public Library will build the new Congress Heights Library on the site of the existing Kiss & Ride lot (rendering above). It will replace the existing Parklands-Turner Library with a new 23,000-square-foot library. DC Public Library will keep the community updated on construction progress through its expected opening in 2028.

Customer impacts

• Temporary bus stops with shelters will be relocated off site for the duration of construction; signage will inform customers of changes and guide them during impacts
  • Anacostia BID shuttle stop will relocate from Bay F to Temporary Stop T1  (located at Sycamore Drive SE and 12th St SE)
  • C27 toward Naylor Rd will relocate from Bay D to Temporary Stop T3 (located at Sycamore Drive SE and 12th St SE), while the C27 toward Shepherd Pkwy will relocate to westbound Alabama Av at 13th St SE on the far side at bus stop #1003588
  • C29 (both directions, toward Anacostia and Southern Av stations) will relocate from Bay C to Temporary Stop T2 (located at Sycamore Drive SE and 12th St SE)
  • C53 to Woodley Park station will relocate from Bay E to Temporary Stop T4 (located on a new street, Temporary Bus Rd SE, and 13th St SE)
• The existing Kiss & Ride lot will be removed, with interim pick up and drop off spaces to be located along Alabama Av
• Temporary detours for pedestrians and bicycle riders
• Existing bicycle lockers will be removed