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

Graphic with details for the public hearing on June 23 at 6:30 p.m.

As DC Water’s Board of Directors considers proposed rate increases for the upcoming 2027 and 2028 fiscal years, we’re asking customers to provide feedback during a public hearing on Tuesday, June 23 at 6:30 p.m.

The proposed rate changes would support critical investments in safe, reliable drinking water, replacement of aging water and sewer lines, cleaner local waterways, and continued lead service line replacement across the District.

Photo of LFDC work on a street in the Trinidad NE Neighborhood

Public Encouraged to Provide Comment through June 23

DC residents who want to replace their lead service lines may soon have more options to do it sooner—without having to wait for construction to reach their block.  While the Lead Free DC Program replaces lead service lines at no cost, DC Water has proposed two updates to its program that would make it easier and faster for some residents to get their lead pipes replaced, especially those at higher risk of lead exposure. These proposed changes have been published in the DC Register and are now open for public review. 

Placeholder DC Water Image

DC Water will host a virtual community meeting on Thursday, June 11, 2026, to inform residents and other stakeholders about the emergency rehabilitation of a section of the Potomac Interceptor at Muddy Branch in Potomac, Maryland.

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Photo of temporarily relocated section of Piney Branch Parkway
Piney Branch Parkway Section to Reopen Monday, Restoring a Key Route for DC Commuters

Following a 27-day closure, DC Water will reopen a section of Piney Branch Parkway between Arkansas Avenue and Beach Drive NW early Monday morning, restoring an important cross-town connection for thousands of District commuters. During the closure, a section of the road was temporarily relocated for construction of DC Water’s Piney Branch Tunnel Project.

Latest Blog Post
DC Water General Manager and CEO David Gadis recognizes Lily MacDonald during the May Board of Directors meeting.
From Classroom to Community: A Student Spotlight on DC Water's SPLASH Program
A speechwriting assignment became a call to action for water access and affordability through DC Water's SPLASH program.
Upcoming Meeting
Date
June 25, 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.