Construction crews will be working around the clock on the Rock Creek Main Interceptor (RCMI) project this weekend, requiring a section of the Rock Creek Multi-use Trail to be closed and changes in traffic patterns. Rehabilitation of the 72-inch diameter main is a high priority project as part of DC Water’s Capital Improvement Program and is critical to protecting Rock Creek and improving reliability.

Starting Friday, January 16, 2026, at 8 PM through Monday, January 19, 2026, at 5 AM the Rock Creek Multi-use Trail will be closed between P Street NW and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, and a marked detour will guide trail users through Rose Park. In addition, one lane of the westbound Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW and the Rock Creek Trail between Pennsylvania Avenue and Lauzuns Legion Bridge will also be closed full-time during this phase. Please allow extra time and follow posted signs for alternate routes.

The RCMI is a vital sewer line carrying 100 million gallons of wastewater every day. DC Water is repairing 3,000 feet of the RCMI sewer line. In preparation construction crews are restoring flow gates at critical points in the sewer line, which may be opened and closed to control the flow during construction. Routine inspections last year found structural issues in the RCMI that, if left unaddressed, could risk a sewage spill into Rock Creek. Construction begins near John Francis Education Campus and continues south to Virginia Avenue, with completion expected by September 2026.

Construction Details

Dates/Time: Friday, January 16 at 8 PM - Monday, January 19 at 5 AM

Location: Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway between Pennsylvania Avenue and Lauzuns Bridge

Trail and Traffic Impacts:

• Rock Creek Multi-use Trail closed between P Street NW and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Detour provided via Rose Park.
• One southbound lane of Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW closed full-time during the work period.
• Rock Creek Trail closed between Pennsylvania Avenue and Lauzuns Legion Bridge.
• Expect construction noise and equipment in the area; work will continue overnight and through the weekend. Noise levels will be monitored to ensure compliance with regulations.

DC Water is coordinating closely with the National Park Service, community leaders and organizations to keep the community informed and minimize disruptions to traffic and trail use. In the event the work concludes early, DC Water will make every effort to reopen the trail and remove traffic mitigations ahead of schedule.