Canal Road Slope Stabilization Project Nears End; Off-peak Lane Closure to Replant Slope
TRAFFIC ADVISORY - CLEAN RIVERS - POTOMAC RIVER TUNNEL PROJECT
DC Water is in the final stretch of its slope stabilization project along Canal Road NW, a critical project that will pave the way for Potomac River Tunnel construction at this site. Beginning, the week of December 15, 2025, crews will begin the last phase of work, which includes spraying a protective layer of grass seed, mulch, and nutrients onto the slope—a process called hydroseeding—to help vegetation grow and keep the hillside strong.
During this work, one westbound lane of Canal Road will be closed during daytime, off-peak hours on weekdays and Saturdays. This will also allow crews to clear away leftover debris at the bottom of the slope and prepare to reopen the sidewalk for pedestrians and cyclists. Once this work is finished, DC Water can begin mobilization for tunnel construction at the site.
The slope stabilization work began in September and is expected to be completed in January, weather permitting. The project required removing trees and loose materials, drilling approximately 725 steel dowels into the slope, and installing mesh to hold everything in place. In collaboration with the community, construction was done in phases to ensure safety and minimize traffic impacts.
INFORMATION
| Where: | Canal Road NW between Foxhall Road NW (Near the Glover Archbold Trailhead) and the Georgetown University entrance |
| What: | One westbound lane closed to traffic; sidewalk closed on north side |
| Date: | Monday, December 15, 2025 - early January 2026, weather permitting |
| Time: | Weekdays 10:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
PEDESTRIAN/CYCLIST ALTERNATIVES
Detours: via Reservoir Road, C&O Canal Towpath, Capital Crescent Trail, and Glover-Archbold Trail
ADA-accessible shuttle: available at designated stops:
- Canal Road near the Georgetown University (GU) entrance
- Foxhall Road NW near the intersection with 44th Street NW
- Call (703) 919-7430 for pick up
The slope stabilization supports the Potomac River Tunnel Project, an $819 million, 5.5-mile-long tunnel that will significantly reduce the amount of untreated sewage and stormwater entering the Potomac River. The Project is included in DC Water’s Capital Improvement Program, which invests in infrastructure to protect public health, improve water quality, and enhance service reliability across the District.
For more information
Visit dcwater.com/slope or call (202) 787-4400
