DC Water and its contractor have removed all the soil down to the clay liner between locks 12 and 13, marking 50% completion of the canal clean-up. Soil removal between Locks 13 and 14 was completed earlier this month. Meanwhile, clean-up efforts continue between locks 10 and 12, with sludge removal complete and soil removal now underway.

First turn of cutterhead signals the start of excavation for the Potomac River Tunnel Project

In a defining moment for one of the District’s largest infrastructure investments, DC Water has marked its next major milestone in the Potomac River Tunnel Project. The first tunnel boring machine, Mary, has launched her northbound journey breaking through the soil to signal the start of excavation.

DC Water has completed soil removal, utilizing excavators and manual digging, to expose the clay lining for the C & O Canal between locks 13 and 14. This is the final step in the clean-up process before work can begin to rebuild the canal. Work continues on the remaining lock sections, with soil removal nearing completion between locks 12 and 13.