Construction on the Potomac Interceptor, a major sewer line for the Washington region, is entering its final phase at the site near Potomac Heritage Trail in Great Falls, Virginia. Crews are wrapping up the final connections to the new infrastructure and soon, the area will look like its natural environment again. Reforestation and restoration of the trail are planned for late 2025.

The Project Team continues to work closely with local partners including NOVA parks, and local government agencies, to ensure a smooth and successful transition as we approach the end of construction.

About the Project

This project is focused on rehabilitating key segments of the Potomac Interceptor (PI), a critical part of the region’s sewer infrastructure. The section being upgraded is right next to our odor control facility at Great Falls and includes reconstruction of a manhole that runs along the Potomac Heritage Trail.

The system carries about 60 million gallons of wastewater every day from communities near Washington Dulles International Airport all the way to the Potomac Pumping station in Washington, DC. From there, the water goes to the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant to be treated before being safely released into the Potomac River.

The system serves several communities, including Fairfax and Loudoun Counties, the towns of Vienna and Herndon, Dulles Airport, and Montgomery County, Maryland. DC Water is leading this important effort to make sure the system stays reliable for years to come.

What's Being Done

• Switching wastewater flow to the new pipes installed
• Backfilling and securing all deep excavation areas
• Removing construction equipment and clearing the site
• Restoring the natural environment
• Repaving River Park Drive
• Rebuilding the Potomac Heritage Trail to its pre-construction conditions

Timeline

• Design Started: May 2020
• Construction Started: Spring 2022
• Expected Completion: Spring 2026
• Work Hours: 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday