EMERGENCY WATER MAIN REPAIR
Feb 07, 2026 | 04:00 AM

EMERGENCY WATER MAIN REPAIR
Feb 07, 2026 | 03:00 AM

EMERGENCY WATER OUTAGE
Feb 07, 2026 | 01:16 AM

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

October 17, 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.

A temporary lane closure will be required in the same location to install a barrier wall for safety, construction equipment, and additional work on an as needed basis over the duration of the project. Construction is expected to be completed in Spring 2026.  

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

Photo of giant rock and boulder removed

DC Water is releasing new findings regarding the environmental impacts following the January 19, collapse in a section of the Potomac Interceptor. Based on flow monitoring data collected before and after interim bypass pumping was activated, DC Water estimates approximately 243 million gallons of wastewater has overflowed from the collapse site.

Image of rock blockage taken by CCTV inside the Potomac Interceptor downstream of the collapse

Update on Extended Repairs, Safety Measures, and Water Quality Monitoring

Overnight CCTV inspection of the Potomac Interceptor revealed the blockage inside the collapsed sewer line is far more significant, showing a large rock dam stretching approximately 30 feet downstream of the original failure.

Three workers over the pit accessing the Potomac Interceptor for Cleaning

DC Water and its contractor are working to clean debris from a damaged section of the Potomac Interceptor, a sanitary sewer line that collapsed on January 19, along Clara Barton Parkway and the 495 ...

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Picture of new bike pedestrian path and traffic detour
New Path for Capital Crescent Trail Opens at Georgetown Waterfront Park

DC CLEAN RIVERS – POTOMAC RIVER TUNNEL PROJECT
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.

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
February 19, 2026
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.