DC CLEAN RIVERS – POTOMAC RIVER TUNNEL PROJECT

As of May 27, 2025, (weather permitting), DC Water has relocated the work zone on the north side of Water Street Northwest, near the entrance to the Capital Crescent Trail, to the south side of the road. Parking will be restricted on the south side of Water Street in front of the Potomac Boat Club. Detours for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists will remain in place along the 3500 block of Water Street.

Signage will be posted to guide all travelers safely around the work zone. The Capital Crescent Trail will remain open and accessible throughout the project. See the map below for additional details.

Water Street Work

• Start Date: On or about May 27, 2025, weather permitting.
• Time: Monday–Friday from 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
• Location: 3500 block of Water Street
• Traffic Pattern Changes and Pedestrian/Bicycle Detours:
  • Traffic: Temporary lane closure during non-peak hours, between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
  • Parking restrictions will be implemented on the south side of Water Street in front of the Potomac Boat Club.
  • Pedestrian and Bicyclist Detours: Flaggers will direct trail users around the work zone. Please adhere to the flagger's directions and construction signage.

During this phase, the contractor will continue constructing the following:

• A new trail on the west side of the aqueduct to direct trail users around the construction site area.
• A path on the north side of Water Street to direct pedestrians and bicyclists under the aqueduct.
• Two lanes under the aqueduct: one for trail users and the Washington Canoe Club, and another for accessing the construction site
   

DC Water is constructing a facility at the site to capture and redirect excess wastewater and stormwater to the Potomac River Tunnel. The tunnel will convey the overflow to the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Project Details

DC Water is constructing the Potomac River Tunnel and related infrastructure to capture combined sewer overflows (CSOs)—a mix of sewage and stormwater—and redirect them to the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant. The tunnel is expected to begin operation in 2030.

At the Capital Crescent Trail site, the underground facility will connect to the existing sewer outfall and direct overflows into the tunnel system.

This project is essential for reducing pollution in the Potomac River and, ultimately, the Chesapeake Bay. It also fulfills the requirements of a 2005 Federal Consent Decree involving DC Water, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Department of Justice, which was amended in 2016. Once operational, the tunnel will reduce CSO volume to the Potomac River by 93% and cut overflow events from about 74 to just four per year under average rainfall conditions. Learn more at www.dcwater.com/prt.

Contact Us
Project Email: dcpotomacrivertunnel@dcwater.com
Project Hotline: 202-972-1388
DC Water 24-hour Emergency: 202-612-3400