Traffic Advisory: Sinkhole Repairs Will Result in Extended Irving Street Closure

October 20, 2020

A section of Irving Street NW near Rock Creek Park will be closed to all traffic for several weeks to allow DC Water to make urgent repairs to a historic sewer line that collapsed and created a sinkhole. There will also be closure in the 3000 block of 18th Street NW, just north of Irving Street.
 
The sinkhole in the 1800 block of Irving Street did not cause any injuries and neither water nor wastewater service has so far been impacted, but the repairs are complex and will take at least two weeks to complete.
 
DC Water has worked closely with the DC Department of Transportation on the street closing and equipment staging; Irving Street in this section runs one way, eastbound.
 
DC Water is also working closely with WMATA so that Metro bus service can be rerouted around Irving Street.

Latest News

Photo of drainage channel with soil stabilization and grass growing in

DC Water, in coordination with the Environmental Protection Agency, is evaluating soil samples from areas directly impacted by the Potomac Interceptor overflows, where the initial clean-up is complete. This includes the drainage channel along Clara Barton Parkway, Rock Run Culvert (Culvert 12), and the unnamed tributary to the Potomac River.

Map of work locations

Starting the evening of Friday, March 27, and continuing through the early morning of Monday, March 30, essential repairs will be underway as part of a high-priority project on the Rock Creek Main Interceptor (RCMI) near Rose Park.

Overhead Photo of Potomac Interceptor

Comprehensive Survey to Guide Rehabilitation and Address Changing Site Conditions

Starting later this week, DC Water will conduct an aerial drone assessment along the 54-mile Potomac Interceptor (PI) to evaluate current site conditions and better understand the changing landscape and development along the Potomac Interceptor alignment, including areas where there may be rocks or boulders that need further on the ground inspections.

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Map of lane closure
Traffic Advisory: Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW Lane Closure Beginning Jan 19

Beginning on or about January 19, 2026, weather permitting, DC Water will implement a temporary lane closure on Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW b

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
April 7, 2026
Tuesday, 9:30 AM

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.