Canal Road NW Slope Stabilization Project
Overview
DC Water will stabilize the slope along Canal Road NW near Georgetown University. This work is important to keep the area safe and to prepare for a bigger project—the Potomac River Tunnel—which will help clean the river.
Starting in late summer 2025, the sidewalk on Canal Road between the Glover-Archbold Trailhead and Georgetown’s entrance will be closed for about 6.5 months while work is underway to secure the slope with a mesh covering and steel dowels.
Project Timeline
| Planning & Design | Complete |
| Construction Begins | September 2025 |
| Construction Complete | February 2026 |
Why?
DC Water will construct a deep drop shaft at the top of the slope as part of the Potomac River Tunnel Project to reduce the amount of untreated sewage and stormwater entering the river and improve water quality. Due to repeated landslides and falling rocks on the slope, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has deemed the area a public safety concern. Stabilizing the slope will be performed before constructing the tunnel shaft to mitigate impacts associated with slope stability.
What We're Doing
The slope stabilization process includes:
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We will drill approximately 725 steel dowels into the slope and cover it with steel mesh to hold everything in place. Once complete, the area will be revegetated with grass.
What to Expect
About 14,500 vehicles use Canal Road weekdays between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. DC Water worked closely with DDOT, the National Park Service, Georgetown University, Metro, and others to develop a construction approach to keep traffic moving as smoothly as possible.
- Traffic: Canal Road will stay open in both directions most of the time, but there may be occasional lane closures during off-peak hours.
- Sidewalk: The north sidewalk will be closed for safety. Pedestrians and cyclists will be detoured. An ADA-accessible shuttle will be available for those who need it. (Additional details soon)
- Vegetation: Upon completion, the area will be revegetated with grass.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Detour (Map Coming Soon)
- Eastbound: Foundry Branch Tunnel → C&O Canal Towpath → Water Street NW→34th Street
- Westbound: 34th Street → Water Street NW → C&O Canal Towpath → Foundry Branch Tunnel
- Other options for cyclists include Reservoir Road or the Capital Crescent Trail, depending on your destination.
Potomac River Tunnel Project
The Potomac River Tunnel Project is a $819 million, 5.5-mile-long tunnel, including the site near Georgetown University. Learn more at dcwater.com/prt.
