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.

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Tree and debris removal for environmental rehabilitation

Work is nearly complete on the downstream section of the Potomac Interceptor to reinforce the pipeline with geopolymer. The concrete-like material will strengthen and restore the structural integrity of the pipe. Completion of the geopolymer lining downstream is one of the final steps to restore flow to the interceptor and finish the emergency repair.

This comes one month since the last overflow reached the Potomac River.

geopolymer downstream

As emergency repairs continue, today marks 27 days, nearly one month, with no overflow reaching the Potomac River.

Crews are making significant progress to reinforce the downstream section of pipe from the collapse site and completed 240 linear feet of geopolymer overnight. Crews are working to apply another layer of geopolymer today. The material is similar in strength to concrete and when applied restores the structural integrity of the pipe.

photo inside tunnel with geopolymer

Reinforcement of the upstream section of the Potomac Interceptor has been completed, marking the halfway point in emergency repairs following the January 19 sewer line collapse. Crews continue to advance repairs on schedule, with full project completion expected by mid-March.

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Map of lane closure
Traffic Advisory: Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW Lane Closure Beginning Jan 19

Beginning on or about January 19, 2026, weather permitting, DC Water will implement a temporary lane closure on Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW b

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March 11, 2026
Wednesday, 9:30 AM

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