DC Water and DDOT begin restoration activities by assessing roadway in 3rd Street Tunnel

August 26, 2021
3rd Street Tunnel Restoration

Ongoing interagency coordination key to successful response

DC Water and the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) are working closely together in the 3rd Street Tunnel to assess the condition of the damaged pavement and to plan restoration activities.

The break, which began early Monday morning, was on an 8-inch water main inside the 3rd Street Tunnel. Crews isolated the break and restored water to customers by Monday evening. DC Water located and repaired the break in the pipeline –that was installed in 1974 and services the fire hydrants in the tunnel – Tuesday night and are now working with DDOT on repair to the pavement. While there, DC Water also plans to evaluate options to further protect the water system within the tunnel to enhance reliability in the future.

Traffic patterns are expected to remain the same throughout the restoration. The northbound travel lanes in the tunnel are open. Southbound lanes of the 3rd Street Tunnel, NW, between New York Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue will remain closed until further notice. Please continue to use alternate routes.

Latest News

Indoor Water Conservation Tips Graphic showing a house and ways to conserve water in the kitchen and bathroom

Current drought conditions are among the most significant experienced in more than two decades

Dry Conditions, above-average temperatures, and below-normal water levels in the
Potomac River have prompted a Drought Watch by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ (COG) Drought Coordination Committee. A drought watch is triggered when the entire DC region experiences moderate drought, with current conditions some of the most significant the region has experienced in more than 20 years and underscoring the need for Wise Water use and conservation.

Close-up of the TBM cutterhead suspended by a crane

DC Water’s Newest Tunnel Boring Machine to Dig Tunnel’s Southern Segment

Emily, DC Water’s second tunnel boring machine for the Potomac River Tunnel Project, has arrived at the West Potomac Park construction site. Once assembled and launched, she will excavate the tunnel’s southern section.

Information for the DC Water Town Hall on a graphic

DC Water is reminding community members that it will host a Town Hall on Thursday, May 28, from 7–9 p.m. at DC Water Headquarters to discuss proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget updates and rate ...

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Close-up of the TBM cutterhead suspended by a crane
From Germany to DC, Emily Arrives on a One-Way Ticket to Help Build the Potomac River Tunnel

DC Water’s Newest Tunnel Boring Machine to Dig Tunnel’s Southern Segment

Emily, DC Water’s second tunnel boring machine for the Potomac River Tunnel Project, has arrived at the West Potomac Park construction site. Once assembled and launched, she will excavate the tunnel’s southern section.

Latest Blog Post
DC Water General Manager and CEO David Gadis recognizes Lily MacDonald during the May Board of Directors meeting.
From Classroom to Community: A Student Spotlight on DC Water's SPLASH Program
A speechwriting assignment became a call to action for water access and affordability through DC Water's SPLASH program.
Upcoming Meeting
Date
June 4, 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.