Sinkhole at 17th Street, NW, Diverts Traffic for Sewer Repairs

January 24, 2019
Sewer Repairs

DC Water crews remain on the scene of a hole that opened in the roadway at 17thand D Streets, NW. DC Water is currently continuing excavations and shoring of a trench to expose a 39” x 58” sewer that was damaged.

The repairs are expected to take close to a week and require road closures as follows:

  • 17th Street, between C and E Streets, NW; and
  • D Street, between 15th and 17th Streets, NW

A DC Water sewer investigator yesterday determined that a section of an egg-shaped 39” by 58” sewer line was crushed when concrete fell on it.
 
So far, the PEPCO lines involved have been de-energized of their 230,000 volts of electricity. There are no other utilities affected, but the repair is complex. Once the sewer damage is exposed and assessed, repairs can begin. After the repair, PEPCO will return to restore the power lines, which will be followed by the restoration of the roadway.
 
DC Water will provide updates throughout the process, which may take up to a week or more. The intersection remains closed to vehicular traffic at this time.

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DC Water and its contractor have taken significant steps toward repairing the Potomac Interceptor. The repair process currently underway involves reinforcing the damaged section of the pipe using geopolymer. This material is known for its concrete-like strength and durability.

Protective Encasement for workers to apply the geopolymer lining

Repair efforts continue as we reach 23 days in which no overflows have entered the Potomac River. Crews finished pressure washing the pipe upstream of the damaged section of the Potomac Interceptor and preparations are underway for the application of the geopolymer lining to reinforce and strengthen the pipe.

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April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

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If you bike, drive, or walk through Georgetown, we’ve got changes starting this week around the Potomac River Tunnel construction on Water Street NW. The Capital Crescent Trail has a new temporary detour through Georgetown Waterfront Park, open now for cyclists between 33rd and Potomac streets NW.

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