Traffic Advisory: Sewer Rehabilitation Project May Cause Temporary Delays on Clara Barton Parkway

October 06, 2025
Map of construction area on Clara Barton Parkway near I495
Updates Traffic Advisory issued Sept. 8, 2025, to reflect extended work noted in bold

Beginning September 8th, 2025, and continuing through October 10th, 2025, Clara Barton Parkway near the interchange with I-495/Beltway, will be reduced to one lane of traffic from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a sanitary sewer rehabilitation project. The temporary lane closure is necessary to reline an 800-foot section of the sewer line, known as the Potomac Interceptor.

Additional work will extend through October 24, requiring a temporary lane closure in the same location on an as needed basis to install a barrier wall for safety. 

During construction, drivers may experience delays inbound on Clara Barton Parkway approaching the Beltway and through the work zone. The lane closure will begin prior to the I-495 Beltway ramp to the outer loop and continue just past the underpass. Access to both the inner and outer loop will remain available. Morning commuters traveling toward DC or to the I-495 Beltway are advised to plan for additional traffic and may want to consider alternate routes.

The Potomac Interceptor is a major sewer line that extends from the area around Washington Dulles International Airport to DC Water’s Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility. The system carries 60 million gallons of wastewater daily from Virginia, Maryland, and DC.

Signage on Clara Barton Parkway will be posted to alert drivers of lane restrictions. DC Water appreciates your patience and cooperation as we complete this critical work to rehabilitate the Potomac Interceptor.

Visit dcwater.com to learn more about the Potomac Interceptor and the work underway to rehabilitate the 54-mile sewer line. This project is part of DC Water’s capital investment in infrastructure improvements to ensure safe, reliable sewer service and wastewater treatment for the region.

 

Latest News

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. Additional lane closure may be necessary intermittently through Oct 24, 2025.

Image of new pipe section with wastewater flowing

Major Milestone in Sewer Line Repair Near Great Falls

DC Water has completed the final connection on the rehabilitated section of the Potomac Interceptor near Great Falls, renewing an integral part of the region's sewer system. This achievement signals the new pipe section is now fully operational and represents a significant step in completing this complex and critical infrastructure project.

Picture showing inside of Rock Creek Main Interceptor with large crack in crown

Weekend Closure of Rock Creek Multi-Use Trail Begins Friday evening, Oct 3 for Gate Restoration Work

DC Water is advancing to the next critical phase of the Rock Creek Main Interceptor (RCMI) repair project, following the discovery in May of structural vulnerabilities in the 72-inch diameter sewer line that carries over 100 million gallons of wastewater daily. These repairs are a high priority to prevent potential sewage discharge into Rock Creek.

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Aerial View of Construction near Watergate Complex Shows cranes and construction of drop shaft underway
Scaffolding Installation Begins near Watergate Complex for Potomac River Tunnel Project

Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW Beginning September 23, 2025, to Mid-November 2025

DC Water is installing temporary scaffolding at the Rock Creek Trail site, west of the Watergate Complex. Trail users are advised to adhere to flagger instructions during installation.

Scaffolding installation is expected to be completed by September 26, 2025, and will remain in place until mid-November 2025.

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Upcoming Meeting
Date
October 7, 2025
Tuesday, 9:30 AM

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.