Low Area Trunk Sewer Rehabilitation Project

Overview

As part of its Capital Improvement Program, DC Water will be performing sewer rehabilitation projects throughout the city. This project involves rehabilitation of the Low Area Trunk Sewer, a 42-inch diameter brick and concrete pipe which extends from 13th Street, NW and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW to 2 nd Street, SE and Tingey Street, SE.

Scope of Work

  • Rehabilitation of approximately 12,000 linear feet (2.27 miles) of 30-inch through 42-inch sewer using Cured in Place Pipe lining (CIPP) and/or other rehabilitative methods.
  • Repair of nearly thirty-three (33) sewer manholes.
  • Associated work includes bypass pumping systems. Some bypass pumping setups require open cut excavation for the placement of temporary piping and use of steel plates to cover street openings. More information on bypass pumping systems can be found in the important information section below.
  • Installation of CIPP lining shall only be allowed in Ward 6, which requires the removal of manhole apparatuses and will require a 10 foot by 10 foot opening around seven (7) manholes to reconstruct the manholes. In Ward 2 other rehabilitative methods will be used to limit disturbances along Pennsylvania Avenue.

Schedule

  • Construction start: January 2018 
  • Construction completion: February 2020 
  • Normal Work Hours: 7:30 pm to 5:30 am, Monday through Friday; dependent upon permit approval contractors may work during the day or on weekends due to certain rehabilitation activities, or inclement weather delays.

Important Information

  • DC Water will work to ensure disruptions are minimized during construction operations and will restore all work sites to their original condition.
  • The rehabilitation work requires the construction of a temporary “by-pass pumping system” that will consist of temporary pumps and piping either above the ground or buried. The temporary system will continuously pump the wastewater from the sewer and all individual service connections around the work area so that sewer service is not interrupted during the rehabilitation work. 
  • Pumping/bypassing equipment shall not have excessive noise levels and shall be restricted to a maximum of seventy decibels (70 dB) at a distance of 50 feet.
  • Some sewage odor may be noticed temporarily during the construction operation.

Traffic Plans

  • Traffic control, including signage and protective barriers, will be set up to maintain public safety during construction in accordance with District Department of Transportation Permit and Standards.
  • Temporary lane closures will occur and parking may be impacted by the bypass system and other equipment during the rehabilitation activities.

Partners

DC Water will coordinate with the various Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, stakeholders, residents, and with District and federal agencies to minimize disruption during this project.

Project Location