Traffic Advisory: Northeast Boundary Tunnel Brings Temporary R Street, NW Closure

August 02, 2019

(Washington, DC) – On or about Wednesday, August 7, 2019, DC Water's contractor will begin work at the 6th & R Streets, NW construction site which will require the closure of R Street between 6th Street and Rhode Island Avenue, NW. DC Water’s contractor will cut trenches across R Street to establish the water supply for a fire hydrant. This work is expected to take five days to complete and will occur between 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM to have the least possible impact on rush hour traffic. Please follow all road signs and directions.

Travel Detours and Parking Restrictions

R Street, NW

  • R Street, which travels in a one-way direction heading west, will be closed between 6th Street and Rhode Island Avenue, NW. Motorists and bicyclists traveling on R Street will be detoured south onto 6th Street. The detour continues right (west) onto P Street and then right (north) on 7th Street.
  • Parking on both sides of R Street between 6th Street and Rhode Island Avenue, NW will be prohibited during construction. Parking will be allowed during non-rush hour periods.

Pedestrian Detour

  • Pedestrians must walk along the southern sidewalk on R Street between 6th Street and Rhode Island Avenue, NW. The northern sidewalk on R Street will remain closed during construction.
  • Between R Street and Rhode Island Avenue, NW pedestrians must walk on the eastern side of 6th Street. The western sidewalk on 6th Street will remain closed during construction.
  • Pedestrians will notice signage for the closed sidewalk restricting access.

Additional Information

  • People who live or work near the affected locations will notice additional construction equipment and personnel as well as noise associated with construction activities.
  • Commuters and pedestrians will notice road signs and/or flagging personnel directing them safely around the construction site.

Project Details

The Northeast Boundary Tunnel is the largest component of the Clean Rivers Project. It begins south of RFK Stadium and will extend north to Rhode Island Avenue, NE and west to 6th Street, NW. When complete, the approximately five-mile-long tunnel will significantly reduce chronic flooding in areas it serves, as well as reduce the amount of combined sewer overflows into the Anacostia River.

###

For more information, please contact

Email: dccleanrivers@dcwater.com

24/7 NEBT Hotline: (800) 988-6151

Northeast Boundary Tunnel Project Website: dcwater.com/NEBT

Latest News

Photo of remaining rocks and debris

Potomac Interceptor Repairs Update
February 25, 2026 

Zeldin Visit with Gadis

  • Crews are nearly done removing a rock and debris dam that was blocking the damaged section of the Potomac Interceptor. Several feet of rocks and ...
Graphic with the information for the Community Meeting

As DC Water continues repair efforts on the Potomac Interceptor sewer line, we want to provide an opportunity for the community to engage with us on Wednesday, February 25, to ask questions, and learn more about the response, impacts to the Potomac River, and next steps in the emergency repair and long-term rehabilitation efforts.

Trench box being installed to expand excavated area

Repairs are moving forward, with crews closer to reaching a debris dam and large rocks blocking a section of the damaged Potomac Interceptor. Work has been completed to fully extend the excavation site and install trench boxes to stabilize and isolate the additional pipe sections. No overflows entering the Potomac River have occurred in 16 days.

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Picture of new bike pedestrian path and traffic detour
New Path for Capital Crescent Trail Opens at Georgetown Waterfront Park

DC CLEAN RIVERS – POTOMAC RIVER TUNNEL PROJECT
If you bike, drive, or walk through Georgetown, we’ve got changes starting this week around the Potomac River Tunnel construction on Water Street NW. The Capital Crescent Trail has a new temporary detour through Georgetown Waterfront Park, open now for cyclists between 33rd and Potomac streets NW.

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
February 26, 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.