On July 12, 2024, DC Water in coordination with the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) expanded the emergency road closure on 22nd Street, NW to include the northbound lanes between P and Q streets. The southbound lanes of 22nd Street between Massachusetts Avenue and P Street were initially closed July 10, for emergency repairs to a large nine-foot sewer pipe below the roadway.

All southbound lanes remain closed to traffic and no parking is allowed. The northbound lanes are closed to through traffic and local access is only available to and from a nearby apartment building. 
 
Upon inspection overnight, it was determined the defective pipeline has the potential to destabilize the roadway in the northbound lanes, and additional safety measures are necessary beyond the original closure. Detours are in effect and signs posted while emergency repairs are underway.

The repairs are expected to require extensive work, and DC Water contractors are designing and planning the scope of work to provide a more detailed timeline for those impacted. Crews will begin preliminary site work, to expedite construction and complete repairs as soon as possible.

The compromised area includes a void below the street measuring approximately 13 feet long and 10 feet wide, necessitating the restriction to vehicular traffic. Repairs will require shoring, structural upgrades, and soil stabilization.  

We apologize for any difficulties caused by the road closure. These repairs are necessary to maintain the reliability of the sewer system, build resiliency, and support a sustainable environment, with public safety, health, and well-being in mind.  

Traffic and Cyclist Detour:

• Motorists and cyclists are directed to follow detour signage (see map below):
  • Southbound from Florida Ave NW use Connecticut Ave south. Go west on P St to 22nd St.
  • Southbound from Massachusetts Ave NW use 21st St south and go west on P St to 22nd St.
  • Northbound from 22nd St NW, use P St east to Dupont Circle, continuing to Massachusetts or Connecticut avenues north, to 22nd St or Florida Ave. 
• Southbound 22nd St NW between Massachusetts Ave and P St, and Northbound 22nd St NW between P and Q streets will remain closed for the duration of the repairs.

Anticipated Schedule:

• July 10, 2024 – TBD (pending planning and scope of work)
• Work includes shoring, LIDAR scanning, soil stabilization, structural upgrades, excavation, backfill and reconstruction of the roadway.

People who live or work near the affected locations will notice additional construction equipment and personnel as well as noise associated with construction activities.

For any questions or concerns, please contact our DC Water 24-hour Emergency Command Center at 202-612-3400.