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

Photo of completed repair with concrete encasing the sewr pipe

DC Water has successfully completed emergency repairs on a critical section of the Anacostia Force Main following a failure near Anacostia Avenue and Ponds Street Northeast in July. With repairs finalized, attention now turns to rehabilitating other vulnerable segments of the 6.25-mile pipeline to ensure long-term reliability and resilience. 

Map of construction area on Clara Barton Parkway near I495

DC Water will be doing construction as part of a sanitary sewer rehabilitation project on Clara Barton Parkway in Maryland from Sept 8 - Oct 10, 2025, which may cause delays inbound near the I-495 Beltway interchange. One lane will be closed in the work zone to reline an 800-foot section of the sewer line, known as the Potomac Inteceptor. Access to the inner and outer loops of the Beltway will remain available.

Rock Creek Trail Site for Potomac River Tunnel Project

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Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Rock Creek Trail Site for Potomac River Tunnel Project
Ground Stabilization Work Begins Near Watergate Complex, starting Aug 25

Starting the week of August 25, DC Water will take another big step forward in the Potomac River Tunnel Project. Ground stabilization will begin at the Rock Creek Trail site, near the Watergate Complex, to drill secant piles that will form a retaining wall for the drop shaft.

Latest Blog Post
A helicopter lowers a drill rig to workers on the Potomac River.
DC Water begins drilling in Potomac River to explore options to rehab underwater sewer line
When one of your major sewer lines runs through the Potomac River, a backhoe and trencher won't do. That's why we've got helicopters carrying a 14-ton drill and workers suspended midair over the Potomac.
Upcoming Meeting
Date
September 18, 2025
Thursday, 9:30 AM

Upcoming Events

Customer Service Center Announcement

Payment Plan Incentive: provides a credit back of 40% of the last 3 payments made and in the new fiscal year 50% will be credited. Eligible participants are residential customers who have had an outstanding balance for 60 days or greater and with an outstanding balance of $500 or more.