Crews also reach a major milestone near Dulles International Airport as the next phase of repairs begins this week

DC Water has completed the first major step in emergency repairs to a 175-foot section of the Potomac Interceptor near Pennyfield Lock in Potomac, Maryland. Crews added a new, stronger lining inside the pipe after inspections found serious wear and damage. The work is part of ongoing repairs to 1,700 linear feet of pipe near Pennyfield Lock. Work began on Friday to apply geopolymer, a concrete-like material, inside the pipe. With the new lining complete, crews are preparing for the next phase of work for the remainder of the pipe segment.

Beginning this week and continuing through mid-August, DC Water will temporarily close one lane overnight on Clara Barton Parkway at the Maryland-D.C. border. The closures are needed so crews can ...

There is no active spill or overflow. Work to strengthen the pipe to begin soon.

Today, DC Water completed construction on a temporary bypass system as part of sewer repairs on the Potomac Interceptor near Pennyfield Lock in Potomac, Maryland. Crews turned on the pumps and successfully tested the system. With the bypass now ready, it will allow us to begin the emergency repairs inside the pipe by carrying the wastewater around the repair area.

Today, DC Water broke ground on the Piney Branch Tunnel, the final major tunnel in our Clean Rivers Project. This work will help keep sewage and trash out of local waterways and make Rock Creek, the Potomac River, and the Chesapeake Bay cleaner for our community.

When we finish the Piney Branch Tunnel, it will hold at least 4.2 million gallons of rainwater and wastewater during heavy storms. Instead of overflowing into Piney Branch, that water will go to the Blue Plains Water Resource Recovery Facility, where it will be treated.