Traffic Advisory: Sinkhole Repairs Will Result in Extended Irving Street Closure

October 20, 2020

A section of Irving Street NW near Rock Creek Park will be closed to all traffic for several weeks to allow DC Water to make urgent repairs to a historic sewer line that collapsed and created a sinkhole. There will also be closure in the 3000 block of 18th Street NW, just north of Irving Street.
 
The sinkhole in the 1800 block of Irving Street did not cause any injuries and neither water nor wastewater service has so far been impacted, but the repairs are complex and will take at least two weeks to complete.
 
DC Water has worked closely with the DC Department of Transportation on the street closing and equipment staging; Irving Street in this section runs one way, eastbound.
 
DC Water is also working closely with WMATA so that Metro bus service can be rerouted around Irving Street.

Latest News

Map of Water Street and Capital Crescent Trail

DC CLEAN RIVERS – POTOMAC RIVER TUNNEL PROJECT

Beginning on or about November 12, 2025, DC Water will begin preparing for construction on the Potomac River Tunnel on the 3300 block of Water Street NW, beneath the Whitehurst Freeway.

picture of damage inside the RCMI

Construction Nov 7-10, 14-17; Additional Weekend Closures Will Also Be Necessary 

For the next two weekends, beginning Friday evening and continuing through early Monday, November 7-10 and 14-17, a section of the Rock Creek Multi-use Trail near Rose Park—between P Street NW and Pennsylvania Avenue NW— will be temporarily closed for construction. One sounthbound lane of Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway will also be closed, impacting traffic. This closure is part of ongoing high-priorty repairs to the Rock Creek Main Interceptor (RCMI), a major sewer line which transports more than 100 million gallons of wastewater each day.

Picture of DC Water staff, CEO/GM David Gadis, Mayor Muriel Bowser, DC Water Board Chair Dr. Unique N. Morris-Hughes

Today, DC Water celebrated a major milestone in the Potomac River Tunnel Project with the ceremonial blessing of Mary, the tunnel boring machine (TBM) that will dig the northern leg of the tunnel. The ...

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Map of Water Street and Capital Crescent Trail
TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Water Street NW at Georgetown Waterfront Park — Travel Lane and Sidewalk Closures

DC CLEAN RIVERS – POTOMAC RIVER TUNNEL PROJECT

Beginning on or about November 12, 2025, DC Water will begin preparing for construction on the Potomac River Tunnel on the 3300 block of Water Street NW, beneath the Whitehurst Freeway.

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
November 12, 2025
Wednesday, 9:30 AM

Upcoming Events

Customer Service Center Announcement

Payment Plan Incentive: provides a credit back of 40% of the last 3 payments made and in the new fiscal year 50% will be credited. 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.