Traffic Advisory: Northeast Boundary Tunnel Brings Utility Relocation Work to R Street, NW

March 27, 2019

(Washington, DC) – On Monday, April 1, 2019, construction crews will begin utility location work in the 600-block of Rhode Island Avenue, NW. Traffic and parking restrictions will be in effect on Rhode Island Avenue, 6th Street, NW and R Street, NW. The work will be done in four phases that will last approximately 2 days each. The work will be conducted between the hours of 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM and is expected to conclude on or about April 12th.

Travel and Parking Restrictions

Phase 1

Utility location work will begin on Monday, April 1, 2019, by occupying two lanes of eastbound traffic on the 600-block of Rhode Island Avenue. Eastbound travel lanes on Rhode Island Avenue will be reduced to one lane of traffic from 8th Street to 6th Street. Parking restrictions will also be in effect between 8th Street and 6th Street on eastbound Rhode Island Avenue.

Phase 2

Utility location work in Phase 2 will occupy two northbound lanes of 6th Street between Rhode Island Avenue and R Street. Eastbound travel lanes on Rhode Island Avenue will be reduced to one lane of traffic from 7th Street to 6th Street. Northbound traffic on 6th Street will be reduced to one lane between Q Street and Rhode Island Avenue. Parking restrictions will be in place on the northbound 1600-block of 6th Street and the 600-block of Rhode Island Avenue.

Phase 3

Utility location work in Phase 3 will occupy the southbound lanes of 6th Street between Rhode Island Avenue and R Street. Right turns from eastbound Rhode Island Avenue will not be permitted onto 6th Street.  Southbound traffic on 6th Street will be directed around the construction area by turning right on 7th Street then left on Q Street to access 6th Street.

Phase 4

Utility location work in Phase 4 will occupy the parking and bicycle lane on the 600-block of R Street. Parking will not be permitted on the 600-block of R Street. The bicycle lane will also be closed. Bicyclists will be directed to use southbound 6th Street with a right onto P Street and right onto 7th Street to access Rhode Island Avenue.

Additional Information

  • People who live or work near the affected locations will notice additional construction equipment and personnel as well as noise associated with construction activities.
  • Commuters and pedestrians will notice road signs and/or flagging personnel directing them around the work site.

Project Details

The Northeast Boundary Tunnel is the largest component of the Clean Rivers Project. It begins south of RFK Stadium and will extend north to Rhode Island Avenue NE and west to 6th Street NW. When complete, the approximately five-mile long tunnel will significantly reduce chronic flooding in areas it serves, as well as reduce the amount of combined sewer overflows into the Anacostia River by 98%.

###

For more information, please contact

Email: dccleanrivers@dcwater.com

24/7 NEBT Hotline: (800) 988-6151

Northeast Boundary Tunnel Project Website: dcwater.com/NEBT

Latest News

Map of lane closure on Clara Barton Parkway at Maryland-DC Border

Drivers should expect delays on Clara Barton Parkway at the Maryland – DC border on Saturday, Sept 26. One lane will be closed from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. while DC Water makes repairs as part of ongoing ...

Christening of TBM Emily with DC Water Interim General Manager Matt Brown holding bottle of tap water to christen Emily

DC Water celebrated the christening of Emily today. It’s the second giant tunnel boring machine (TBM) that will help build the 5.5-mile Potomac River Tunnel. The celebration continued with Community Day. Residents and families met Emily and stepped inside the tunnel where she will soon begin digging.

Map: Temporary closure of the southbound curb lane on Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW

DC CLEAN RIVERS – POTOMAC RIVER TUNNEL PROJECT

Drivers should expect a temporary southbound lane closure on Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW between F St and Virginia Ave on Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, 2026. The closure will be in place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day, weather permitting.

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Christening of TBM Emily with DC Water Interim General Manager Matt Brown holding bottle of tap water to christen Emily
DC Water Welcomes the Community Underground to See the Potomac River Tunnel and Christens Tunnel Boring Machine Emily

DC Water celebrated the christening of Emily today. It’s the second giant tunnel boring machine (TBM) that will help build the 5.5-mile Potomac River Tunnel. The celebration continued with Community Day. Residents and families met Emily and stepped inside the tunnel where she will soon begin digging.

Latest Blog Post
Emergency supplies arranged on a table, including bottled water, canned food, a backpack, first aid kit, flashlight, phone, medication and other essential items.
Simple Ways to Stay Prepared at Home
A few simple steps can help your household prepare for severe weather and temporary water or sewer service interruptions.
Upcoming Meeting
Date
October 8, 2026
Thursday, 9:30 AM

Upcoming Events

Customer Service Center Announcement

Payment Plan Incentive: provides a credit back of 50% of the last 3 payments made. 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.