(Washington, DC) – In preparation for construction associated with the DC Water Northeast Boundary Tunnel (NEBT) (dcwater.com/NEBT),  DC Water's contractor will begin staging for shaft excavation activities on 4th Street, NE at the intersection of Rhode Island Avenue, NE. This will require the current work site on 4th Street to be expanded into one lane on Rhode Island Avenue. Subsequently, westbound traffic on Rhode Island Avenue will be reduced from three lanes to two lanes as it moves past the construction site. Once past the intersection at 4th Street, motorists can again utilize three travel lanes. Shaft excavation activities will begin on or about Monday, June 3, 2019.

Work hours will be 7 am to 7 pm, Monday through Friday and will take approximately 1 month to complete. Access to the businesses in the vicinity will remain open during construction activities.

Traffic and Pedestrian Restrictions

Travel Restrictions:

Westbound Rhode Island Avenue, NE - traffic will merge into two-lanes of travel left around the 4th Street, NE construction and then return to three-lane travel immediately past the intersection.

Pedestrian Impacts:

The pedestrian crosswalk across 4^th Street, NE at the Rhode Island Avenue, NE intersection will be closed for approximately 1 month. Detour signs will guide pedestrians to safely cross Rhode Island Avenue and the southern intersection of 4th Street.

Safety Information

• Commuters and pedestrians will notice road signs and/or flagging personnel directing them around the work site. Please obey road crew flaggers and pay attention to signage.
• As a result of the construction work, commuters may experience congestion within the 250-foot designated work area. Please do not tailgate, keep a safe distance, and don’t drive distracted.
• Please be patient and stay calm. Plan to allow extra time while traveling around the area. Check real-time traffic apps and the NEBT website for updated traffic impacts.

Additional Information

• Access to all businesses in the vicinity will remain open during construction activities. Motorists will see flaggers guiding them into the BP Gas Station at the corner of 4^th and Rhode Island Avenue, NE if they choose to enter.
• People who live or work near the affected locations will notice additional construction equipment and personnel as well as noise associated with construction activities.

Project Details

The Northeast Boundary Tunnel is the largest component of the Clean Rivers Project. It begins south of RFK Stadium and will extend north to Rhode Island Avenue, NE and west to 6^th Street, NW. When complete, the approximately five-mile long tunnel will significantly reduce chronic flooding in areas it serves.

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For more information, please contact

Email: dccleanrivers@dcwater.com

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

Northeast Boundary Tunnel Project Website: dcwater.com/NEBT