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

image of clara barton parkway with lane closure marked in red

Beginning this week and continuing through mid-August, DC Water will temporarily close one lane overnight on Clara Barton Parkway at the Maryland-D.C. border. The closures are needed so crews can ...

Pennyfield Lock Potomac Interceptor bypass pipeline running next to C & O Canal with equipment

There is no active spill or overflow. Work to strengthen the pipe to begin soon.

Today, DC Water completed construction on a temporary bypass system as part of sewer repairs on the Potomac Interceptor near Pennyfield Lock in Potomac, Maryland. Crews turned on the pumps and successfully tested the system. With the bypass now ready, it will allow us to begin the emergency repairs inside the pipe by carrying the wastewater around the repair area.

DC Water Officials with NPS and ANC commissioners doing ceremonial groundbreaking

Today, DC Water broke ground on the Piney Branch Tunnel, the final major tunnel in our Clean Rivers Project. This work will help keep sewage and trash out of local waterways and make Rock Creek, the Potomac River, and the Chesapeake Bay cleaner for our community.

When we finish the Piney Branch Tunnel, it will hold at least 4.2 million gallons of rainwater and wastewater during heavy storms. Instead of overflowing into Piney Branch, that water will go to the Blue Plains Water Resource Recovery Facility, where it will be treated.

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

DC Water Officials with NPS and ANC commissioners doing ceremonial groundbreaking
DC Water Breaks Ground on Piney Branch Tunnel, Final Phase of DC Clean Rivers Project

Today, DC Water broke ground on the Piney Branch Tunnel, the final major tunnel in our Clean Rivers Project. This work will help keep sewage and trash out of local waterways and make Rock Creek, the Potomac River, and the Chesapeake Bay cleaner for our community.

When we finish the Piney Branch Tunnel, it will hold at least 4.2 million gallons of rainwater and wastewater during heavy storms. Instead of overflowing into Piney Branch, that water will go to the Blue Plains Water Resource Recovery Facility, where it will be treated.

Latest Blog Post
Plastic bottles, cups and other floating debris on the surface of the Anacostia River before the Anacostia River Tunnel began operating.
Cleaner Waterways Start With Everyday Choices
Protecting our waterways starts with everyday actions and continues through critical infrastructure designed to keep pollution out of our rivers.
Upcoming Meeting
Date
July 23, 2026
Thursday, 9:30 AM

Upcoming Events

Jul 25

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.