TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Lane Closure NB Clara Barton Parkway at Chain Bridge, March 8

March 07, 2025
Picture of Chain Bridge at location of manhole where work will occur

On Saturday, March 8, DC Water will close the outbound lane of Clara Barton Parkway at Chain Bridge to inspect a section of the Potomac Interceptor, a major sewer line which crosses the Potomac River.

The lane closure will begin at 8 a.m. and continue until 3 p.m. During the inspection, DC Water and its contractor will be working in the outbound lane past Chain Bridge to access the sewer line through a manhole in the roadway.

Motorists are advised to follow directional signage and the instruction of flaggers. Traffic will alternate in both directions utilizing one lane. Drivers may also use MacArthur Blvd as an alternative to Clara Barton Parkway.

As part of the inspection, DC Water will use a camera on closed circuit TV to go into the sewer line. It’s part of routine preventative maintenance to identify any defects or issues that could compromise the pipe and make repairs if necessary to maintain reliable sewer service.

The Potomac Interceptor is a 54-mile long sewer line that runs from areas near Dulles International Airport to Maryland and DC Water’s Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant. The line crosses the Potomac in three location, one of them at Chain Bridge. It’s a key infrastructure asset, transporting 60 million gallons of wastewater daily.

Latest News

Construction crews working with crane to prepare site for bypass

Partial Bypass Expected to Begin as Early as This Weekend

DC Water and its contractor continue to make progress to contain the sewer overflow from a collapsed section of the Potomac Interceptor (PI), a major sewer line along Clara Barton Parkway near 495 in Montgomery County, MD.  As part of that work, crews today are mobilizing equipment, clearing brush and debris, and installing pipes in preparation to bypass the flow around the damaged section of sewer line.

Image showing wastewater from manhole on Potomac Interceptor

Bypass system construction underway to contain overflow and protect waterways
Drinking water service remains safe and unaffected
One lane of eastbound Clara Barton Parkway remains closed
C & O Canal Towpath remains open; public advised to avoid contact with wastewater

Map of the impacted area.

One lane of Clara Barton Parkway Closed as a Precaution. Drinking Water is not impacted.

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

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If you bike, drive, or walk through Georgetown, we’ve got changes starting this week around the Potomac River Tunnel construction on Water Street NW. The Capital Crescent Trail has a new temporary detour through Georgetown Waterfront Park, open now for cyclists between 33rd and Potomac streets NW.

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Thursday, 9:30 AM

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