DC Water is taking emergency measures with the immediate and ongoing closure of all northbound lanes of 14th Street between L Street NW and Thomas Circle, due to the imminent risk of collapse posed by an abandoned, century-old, brick-lined sewer tunnel beneath the roadway. The street was initially closed out of an abundance of caution early Saturday morning, due to the instability of the roadway under the weight of vehicular traffic. Subsequent engineering investigations have confirmed that urgent stabilization measures are required to prevent the roadway from collapsing and to ensure the safety of the public.

The stabilization plan involves carefully filling the 42-inch abandoned sewer tunnel with engineered material to support the roadway above and mitigate further risk. This process will require specialized crews and equipment, and is expected to take several days, with the goal of completing stabilization and safely reopening the street by midweek, weather and site conditions permitting.

During stabilization, DC Water is working closely with its partners are coordinating to identify utility lines in the area to help minimize service disruptions and ensure the safety of all utility infrastructure in the area. Traffic management measures remain in place, with detours clearly marked and pedestrian access maintained where feasible.

Closure Details:

• Location: Northbound 14th Street NW between L Street and Thomas Circle
• Closure Start: Saturday, 02/07/2026, shortly after midnight
• Expected Duration: The closure is expected to continue through the end of the week, weather permitting
• Traffic, Pedestrian and Cyclist Impacts:
• Detour signage is posted, and travelers should allow extra time for their commute.
  • All northbound lanes of 14^th Street closed between L Street and Thomas Circle.
  • Northbound drivers are advised to use 13th Street or 15th Street as alternate routes.
  • Pedestrian access will be maintained where safe, but travelers are urged to follow posted instructions and avoid restricted areas.
• 14^th Street southbound lanes remain open and are not impacted by the northbound lane closure.
• L Street eastbound bike lane remains open and is not impacted by the 14^th Street closure.
• L Street between Vermont Ave and 14th Street will remain open to Local traffic only.

Public safety remains the highest priority. Crews are working diligently to stabilize the abandoned sewer tunnel and adjacent infrastructure. Normal traffic operations will be restored as soon as safely possible.