TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Temporary Lane Closures Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway for Sewer Rehabilitation Project

February 27, 2026

DC Water will be performing repairs to the Rock Creek Main Interceptor (RCMI) within the West End and Georgetown Neighborhoods. This will require temporary lane closures beginning tonight, February 27, at 8 PM  through Monday, March 2, at 5 AM.

The construction plan initially announced in early October involves two phases. During the first phase, crews will perform work to help restore one of two sewer gates located within a structure along the trail. Once completed, crews will move on to the second phase of the project, now expected to start in early 2026. These repairs are a high priority to prevent potential sewage discharge into Rock Creek and are part of DC Water’s Capital Improvement Program.

DC Water is continuing to conduct additional field investigations and inspections needed to complete the first phase of work.

Temporary Lane and Trail Closures: 

One lane of the Rock Creek and Potomac Pkwy NW (South Bound) between P Street and Pennsylvania Ave NW will be closed full-time during the Gate Restoration.

Right most southbound lane closure

One lane of the Rock Creek and Potomac Pkwy NW (South Bound) near the Waterside Drive NW on-ramp, will be closed on Saturday, February 28 from 7 AM to 5 PM during the pipeline inspection.
 

RCMI Pic 2 Lane Closure

The Rock Creek Trail between Pennsylvania Ave and Lauzuns Legion Bridge will be closed full time during the Gate Restoration.
Map of detour
To facilitate the inspection of nearby DC Water infrastructure, while also ensuring the safety of the crews and equipment, we will need to temporarily close a section of the right southbound lane of Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway near the ramp merge from Waterside Drive NW.
 
The temporary lane closure will take place from 8:00 PM on Friday, February 27, 2026, through 5:00 AM on Monday, March 2, 2026.
 
DC Water has been working closely with National Park Service and Park Police on this work, to ensure that the rush hour one-way access along Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway is uninterrupted.
 
We extend our thanks to the community for their patience and understanding during the completion of this critical infrastructure project.
 

Latest News

Picture of repaired segment before the geopolymer work and after the work is done

Crews also reach a major milestone near Dulles International Airport as the next phase of repairs begins this week

DC Water has completed the first major step in emergency repairs to a 175-foot section of the Potomac Interceptor near Pennyfield Lock in Potomac, Maryland. Crews added a new, stronger lining inside the pipe after inspections found serious wear and damage. The work is part of ongoing repairs to 1,700 linear feet of pipe near Pennyfield Lock. Work began on Friday to apply geopolymer, a concrete-like material, inside the pipe. With the new lining complete, crews are preparing for the next phase of work for the remainder of the pipe segment.

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.

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 28, 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.