OVERVIEW

The Rock Creek Main Interceptor (RCMI) is a major sewer line carrying 100 million gallons of wastewater a day. During routine inspections, DC Water identified structural issues and the need for immediate repairs to prevent a potential failure. Due to the location next to Rock Creek, any failure would risk discharging sewage into the waterway. The repairs are a high priority project included in DC Water’s Capital Improvement Program. Work will occur along Rock Creek starting near the John Francis Education Campus (2425 N St NW, Washington, DC 20037) and running south along 27th Street NW towards I Street/Virginia Ave NW. 

SCOPE OF WORK

This project involves inspection and repairs on approximately 3,000 linear feet of the 72-inch diameter main. To perform the work, the wastewater must be diverted from the RCMI pipeline to other nearby sewer lines. Gates at three locations—National Park Service (NPS) property near the Smithsonian National Zoo, along the Rock Creek Multi-Use Trail near Rose Park, and along 30th Street NW near the Georgetown Waterfront—will be opened and closed as needed to manage flows during repairs and wet weather events. Operation of these gates allows flows to be diverted to facilitate repair activities within the pipe. Following the completed manned inspection that defined the repair scope, the contractor will complete the required repairs from inside the pipeline using existing access points. This sheet gives a general overview of the scope of work for the entire project and additional details will be provided, as needed, as the project commences.

SCHEDULE

• Anticipated construction starts: Summer 2026

• Anticipated construction completion: Summer 2027

• Normal work hours: Monday-Saturday, 6:00am to 6:00pm (12-hour workdays)

• The contractor may work at night or on weekends, depending upon certain construction activities, inclement weather, and approval by regulatory stakeholders (e.g. NPS)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• DC Water will work to ensure disruptions are minimized during construction operations and will restore all work sites to their original condition upon completion of the project.

• The construction activities are limited to wastewater infrastructure and will not affect DC Water’s drinking water system.

TRAFFIC

• Lane closures and flagging operations may be required daily for each phase of construction to maintain traffic in the construction work zone. All Traffic Control Plans will be approved by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT).

• Notifications regarding “No-Parking” zones will be posted 72 hours prior to construction, in certain areas in and around the job site, as required by DDOT.

PARTNERS

In addition to DC Water working closely with the National Park Service, regular updates will be provided to impacted residents and businesses, Advisory Neighborhood Commission representatives for 2A and 2E, Ward 2 representatives in the Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services, and Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto and members of her staff.