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

Two workers making a water main break repair with a excavator nearby

As the District gets ready for Independence Day celebrations and America's 250th events, DC Water is taking steps to keep everyone safe and make sure that water and wastewater service runs smoothly ...

Graphic with details for the public hearing on June 23 at 6:30 p.m.

As DC Water’s Board of Directors considers proposed rate increases for the upcoming 2027 and 2028 fiscal years, we’re asking customers to provide feedback during a public hearing on Tuesday, June 23 at 6:30 p.m.

The proposed rate changes would support critical investments in safe, reliable drinking water, replacement of aging water and sewer lines, cleaner local waterways, and continued lead service line replacement across the District.

Photo of LFDC work on a street in the Trinidad NE Neighborhood

Public Encouraged to Provide Comment through June 23

DC residents who want to replace their lead service lines may soon have more options to do it sooner—without having to wait for construction to reach their block.  While the Lead Free DC Program replaces lead service lines at no cost, DC Water has proposed two updates to its program that would make it easier and faster for some residents to get their lead pipes replaced, especially those at higher risk of lead exposure. These proposed changes have been published in the DC Register and are now open for public review. 

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Photo of temporarily relocated section of Piney Branch Parkway
Piney Branch Parkway Section to Reopen Monday, Restoring a Key Route for DC Commuters

Following a 27-day closure, DC Water will reopen a section of Piney Branch Parkway between Arkansas Avenue and Beach Drive NW early Monday morning, restoring an important cross-town connection for thousands of District commuters. During the closure, a section of the road was temporarily relocated for construction of DC Water’s Piney Branch Tunnel Project.

Latest Blog Post
Five photos from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) ACE26 conference featuring panel discussions, technical presentations, networking, and attendees posing at the ACE26 display.
ACE26 Highlights: How DC Water Advanced the Conversation on Water
More than 80 DC Water employees joined thousands of water professionals in Washington, D.C., sharing expertise, building partnerships and advancing conversations that will help shape the future of water.
Upcoming Meeting
Date
July 2, 2026
Thursday, 9:30 AM

Upcoming Events

Jul 23
Jul 25

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.