Northeast Boundary Tunnel Brings Closure to 3rd Street, NW between Rhode Island Avenue and Florida Avenue

March 26, 2019

(Washington, DC) – In preparation for construction associated with the Northeast Boundary Tunnel Project (NEBT) (dcwater.com/NEBT), DC Water’s contractor will close 3rd Street, NW to traffic between Rhode Island Avenue, NW and Florida Avenue, NW.  The contractor will mobilize on 3rd Street, NW beginning Monday, April 1, 2019. The road will be closed through December 2022.

Travel Restrictions

  • The 1700 block of 3rd Street, NW will be closed to traffic in the northbound and southbound directions between Rhode Island Avenue and Florida Avenue.
  • The 200 block of S Street, NW will be accessible from 2nd Street only.
  • The alley between the 200 blocks of Rhode Island Avenue, NW and S Street, NW will be closed at the 3rd Street, NW entrance. However, the alley entrances from 2nd Street and S Street will remain open.

Parking Restrictions

  • No parking will be permitted on the northbound side of the 1700 block of 3rd Street, NW.

Pedestrian Safety

  • Pedestrians will be directed to the northbound side of the 1700 block of 3rd Street, NW.
  • The crosswalks at 3rd Street, NW along Florida Avenue and Rhode Island Avenue will remain open.

Additional Information

  • Those who live or work near the affected location(s) may notice additional construction equipment as well as noise associated with construction activities.
  • Commuters will notice road signs and/or flagging personnel directing them around the work site.

Project Details

The NEBT is the largest component of the Clean Rivers Project and will start south of RFK Stadium and extend north to Rhode Island Avenue, NE, and west to 6th Street, NW. When complete, the approximately five-mile long tunnel will significantly reduce chronic flooding in the areas it serves, while reducing the amount of combined sewer overflows into the Anacostia River. 

DC Water has worked closely with the District Department of Transportation, the Department of Energy and Environment, and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to design a plan that minimizes impact to traffic and pedestrian travel and conserves trees important to the landscape of the neighborhood.

###


For more information, please contact

Email: dccleanrivers@dcwater.com

24/7 NEBT Hotline: (800) 988-6151

Northeast Boundary Tunnel Project Website: dcwater.com/NEBT

 

Latest News

Photo of the drop shaft looking from above down into the bottom

Starting the week of July 13, 2026, people who live, work or travel near the Canal Road NW entrance to Georgetown University may hear controlled blasting. This work is part of our Potomac River Tunnel Project.

When blasting happens, neighbors may hear a brief noise or feel light shaking. Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians on Canal Road NW may also be stopped for a few minutes while we safely complete each blast.

Photo of Pipe Fusing at Cabin John PI Rehabilitation Site

DC Water will continue daily Potomac River water quality testing through July 31. The testing is part of ongoing monitoring after the January 19 collapse of a section of the Potomac Interceptor, a ...

Two workers making a water main break repair with a excavator nearby

As the District gets ready for Independence Day celebrations and America's 250th events, DC Water is taking steps to keep everyone safe and make sure that water and wastewater service runs smoothly ...

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Photo of the drop shaft looking from above down into the bottom
Controlled Blasting to Begin for Potomac River Tunnel Work Near Georgetown

Starting the week of July 13, 2026, people who live, work or travel near the Canal Road NW entrance to Georgetown University may hear controlled blasting. This work is part of our Potomac River Tunnel Project.

When blasting happens, neighbors may hear a brief noise or feel light shaking. Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians on Canal Road NW may also be stopped for a few minutes while we safely complete each blast.

Latest Blog Post
Five photos from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) ACE26 conference featuring panel discussions, technical presentations, networking, and attendees posing at the ACE26 display.
ACE26 Highlights: How DC Water Advanced the Conversation on Water
More than 80 DC Water employees joined thousands of water professionals in Washington, D.C., sharing expertise, building partnerships and advancing conversations that will help shape the future of water.
Upcoming Meeting
Date
July 8, 2026
Wednesday, 9:30 AM

Upcoming Events

Jul 23
Jul 25

Customer Service Center Announcement

Payment Plan Incentive: provides a credit back of 50% of the last 3 payments made. Eligible participants are residential customers who have had an outstanding balance for 60 days or greater and with an outstanding balance of $500 or more.