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.

Latest News

CEO David L. Gadis with HSEMA, EPA and USACE

DC Water crews are working around the clock to keep the Potomac Interceptor repair site safe as another storm approaches. Since February 8, there have been no overflows to the Potomac River, and efforts are underway to bolster pump capacity and manage stormwater runoff due to expected heavy rain and snow that could flood the pumping site and endanger pumping operations.

workers inside pipe cleaned of rocks and debris

Potomac Interceptor Repair Update
February 21, 2026

  • For nearly two weeks, no overflows have entered the Potomac River. The last release to the river occurred on February 8.
  • Crews are continuing to remove ...
Graphic with details about the two community meetings.

DC Water will host two community meetings to provide a comprehensive update on the Potomac Interceptor response, current system status, and next steps in emergency repair and long-term rehabilitation ...

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Map of lane closure
Traffic Advisory: Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW Lane Closure Beginning Jan 19

Beginning on or about January 19, 2026, weather permitting, DC Water will implement a temporary lane closure on Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW b

Latest Blog Post
A helicopter lowers a drill rig to workers on the Potomac River.
DC Water begins drilling in Potomac River to explore options to rehab underwater sewer line
When one of your major sewer lines runs through the Potomac River, a backhoe and trencher won't do. That's why we've got helicopters carrying a 14-ton drill and workers suspended midair over the Potomac.
Upcoming Meeting
Date
February 26, 2026
Thursday, 9:30 AM

Upcoming Events

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.