TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Suitland Parkway Stormwater Main & Sinkhole Repair

March 05, 2025
Sinkhole, one outbound lane of Suitland Parkway between Firth Sterling Ave and Stanton Rd SE is closed.

DC Water is investigating a sinkhole involving the failure of a 54-inch stormwater main on Suitland Parkway in Southeast DC. For safety reasons, one outbound lane of Suitland Parkway between Firth Sterling Ave and Stanton Rd SE is closed. Inbound traffic on Suitland Parkway is unaffected. Drivers may want to consider alternate routes.

DC Water teams are on scene, however, the large volume of stormwater in the system caused by the rain is preventing us from beginning the investigation into the cause and make repairs. The sinkhole measures six feet deep and 10 feet long and may be at risk of further erosion.

Traffic impacts are expected to continue for at least 24 hours and may be extended based on the repairs needed. This could include excavation and replacement of a large section of the 54-inch pipe.

Additional updates will be provided as available through social media on X @DCWater and on dcwater.com or call our 24/7 Emergency Command Center at 202-612-3400.

Latest News

Excavation site outside the I-495 Beltway showing section of the PI

Crews completed cleaning on Lock 11 of the C & O Canal as prescribed by the National Park Service, with soil removal also nearing completion within the lock area. Tree removal is also underway, after DC Water received the permits to move forward as part of the site preparations for the long-term accelerated rehabilitation of more than 2700 linear feet of the Potomac Interceptor sewer line that had been previously planned.

Photo of long stretch of C & O Canal with soil removed

DC Water has excavated a section of the Potomac Interceptor along Clara Barton Parkway, outside the I-495 Beltway as part of the accelerated rehabilitation of more than 2700 linear feet of the interceptor that was previously planned. As part of the long-term rehabilitation project, crews are beginning to remove trees which is necessary to construct a bypass chamber that will divert wastewater around sections of the pipe while they are being rehabilitated.

The shields for the tunnel boring machine Mary being lowered by cranes into the shaft

Recognition highlights DC Water’s commitment to environmental stewardship during Earth Month

DC Water has been honored with the “Green Bond of the Year – US Muni Bond” Award by Environmental Finance, a leading industry publication. This achievement celebrates DC Water’s leadership in sustainability and its dedication to responsible municipal financing.

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

The shields for the tunnel boring machine Mary being lowered by cranes into the shaft
DC Water Earns Prominent Award for Sustainable Finance Leadership through Green Bonds

Recognition highlights DC Water’s commitment to environmental stewardship during Earth Month

DC Water has been honored with the “Green Bond of the Year – US Muni Bond” Award by Environmental Finance, a leading industry publication. This achievement celebrates DC Water’s leadership in sustainability and its dedication to responsible municipal financing.

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 28, 2026
Tuesday, 9:30 AM

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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.