The new segment of the Rock Creek Trail directs pedestrians and bicyclists around the construction site. 

DC Water is taking a major step forward in the Potomac River Tunnel Project – an essential effort to improve water quality across the District. This week marks the beginning of ground stabilization work at the Rock Creek Trail site, west of the Watergate Complex. This milestone kicks off the start of major underground construction, laying the groundwork for deep excavation and tunnel development.

New, Permanent Rock Creek Trail Opens
The work coincides with the opening of a new, permanent section of the Rock Creek Trail. Pedestrians and cyclists can safely use this path to bypass the construction area. Please stay alert and share the trail respectfully. The old trail next to the Parkway is closed and will be restored after tunnel construction is complete.

Ground Stabilization Work – What’s Happening
Beginning the week of August 25, crews will begin installing secant piles—steel-reinforced concrete columns that help stabilize the ground for excavation and protect against soil movement and groundwater infiltration. These will form a retaining wall for the drop shaft, approximately 39 feet deep to rock level.

This work is expected to take approximately nine months. During drilling residents may notice construction noise, which is monitored to ensure we stay within District noise standards.

What to Expect

•    Work will be performed within the construction site - no traffic impacts.
•    A large drill rig will install the columns(secant piles).
•    Trucks will haul away muck and debris from the drilling.
•    You may hear noticeable noise from drilling and muck removal during work hours.

DC Water is committed to mitigating impacts to the community. Every effort will be made to minimize noise and maintain safe access to Rock Creek Trail and the surrounding areas. Thank you for your continued patience as we work to significantly reduce combined sewer overflows and improve water quality in the District’s rivers and streams.

Project Details

The Potomac River Tunnel is part of DC Water’s Clean Rivers Project, a long-term effort to reduce pollution in our waterways. Each year about 650 million gallons of untreated stormwater and sewage overflows enter the Potomac River, and ultimately, Chesapeake Bay, carrying trash and increasing bacteria levels that may be harmful to aquatic life. The 5.5 mile tunnel system will help capture and redirect this overflow to the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant, reducing the volume of overflow by 93% and cutting overflow events from 74 to 4 per year based on average rainfall. 

This work is being completed in compliance with a 2005 Federal Consent Decree entered by DC Water, the District of Columbia, the US Environmental Protection Agency, and the US Department of Justice, as amended in January 2016.
 

For more information 
Project Email: dcpotomacrivertunnel@dcwater.com 
Project Website: dcwater.com/prt
Project Hotline: 202-972-1388 
DC Water 24-hour Emergency: 202-612-3400