Emergency repairs are progressing on a nine-foot sewer tunnel that has closed a section of 22^nd St NW since early July. DC Water and its contractor have made significant repairs to reinforce the tunnel. Repairs to a large void above the tunnel are ongoing to mitigate the risk of a sinkhole and collapse under the weight of traffic. Additional work is expected to continue for another four to five weeks, before a portion of the road can reopen.

As construction continues, 22^nd St NW will remain closed between northbound P and Q sts, and southbound between Massachusetts Ave NW and P St. Crews are working, sometimes night and day, 24-feet below ground inside the sewer tunnel. Rebar has been installed and the tunnel sprayed with high-pressure concrete for support. This month, work began to place lightweight concrete and grout into the void.

After the soil is stabilized, the work zone will shrink allowing DC Water, in coordination with the District Department of Transportation, to reopen one northbound lane for traffic. However, the remaining lanes are expected to stay closed while additional repairs are made.

The emergency repair is designed to address the most urgent need around the main void. Additional cracks upstream and downstream were also found during inspections and must be addressed separately. The second phase of construction is expected to take four to five months, pending weather or other unforeseen delays that may affect the schedule.

Motorists and cyclists are advised to follow detour signage. Vehicle access is only available to and from a nearby apartment building. 

The repairs to DC Water’s aging infrastructure will ensure the future reliability and resiliency of the sewer system and support sustainability, equity, and health, safety, and well-being. We appreciate your patience while we get this important work done. 

Traffic and Cyclist Detour:

• Motorists and cyclists are directed to follow detour signage (see map below):
  • Southbound from Florida Ave NW use Connecticut Ave south. Go west on P St to 22nd St.
  • Southbound from Massachusetts Ave NW use 21st St south and go west on P St to 22nd St.
  • Northbound from 22nd St NW, use P St east to Dupont Circle, continuing to Massachusetts or Connecticut avenues north, to 22nd St or Florida Ave. 
• Southbound 22nd St NW between Massachusetts Ave and P St, and Northbound 22nd St NW between P and Q streets will remain closed for the duration of the repairs.

Anticipated Schedule:

• July 10, 2024 – October 2024 emergency repair to mitigate risk of road and tunnel collapse
• October 2024 - one northbound lane opens to through traffic
• October 2024 - Late Winter/Spring 2025 additional sewer repairs upstream and downstream of main void (4-5 months)
• Late Winter/Spring 2025 - anticipated completion of repairs, road reopens (subject to weather or other unforseen delays)
• Work includes shoring, LIDAR scanning, soil stabilization, structural upgrades, excavation, backfill and reconstruction of the roadway.

People who live or work near the affected locations will notice additional construction equipment and personnel as well as noise associated with construction activities.

For any questions or concerns, please contact our DC Water 24-hour Emergency Command Center at 202-612-3400.