Construction on the Potomac Interceptor, a major sewer line for the Washington region, is complete at the site near Potomac Heritage Trail in Great Falls, Virginia. Crews have completed the infrastructure improvements and restoration work, bringing the area back to its natural surroundings.

The Project Team worked closely with local partners including NOVA parks, and local government agencies, throughout construction to support project coordination, minimize impacts to the surrounding community, and ensure the successful completion of the work.

About the Project

This project focused on rehabilitating key segments of the Potomac Interceptor (PI), a critical part of the region’s sewer infrastructure. The work took place right next to our odor control facility at Great Falls and included 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.

Work Completed

• Completed the transition of wastewater flow to the new pipes installed
• Backfilled and secured all deep excavation areas
• Removed construction equipment and cleared the site
• Restored the natural environment
• Repaved River Park Drive
• Restored the Potomac Heritage Trail to its pre-construction conditions

Timeline

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