Traffic Advisory - Restoration Work on First Street NW

April 01, 2021

(Washington, DC) – DC Water’s contractor will begin removing jet grout lines from the First Street, NW roadway on or about the week of April 5, 2021. Southbound traffic on First Street, NW will be shifted to the northbound side and remain a single lane until this work is completed. This work is expected to be completed in approximately five to ten days. Upon completion, First Street, NW will be reopened to two-way traffic. Travel lane reductions and parking restrictions will remain in place on Rhode Island Avenue, NW while work continues at the nearby T Street, NW construction site. 

Travel and Parking Restrictions
•    Southbound traffic on First Street, NW will be shifted to the northbound lane.
•    The Northbound travel lane on First Street, NW is closed between Thomas Street, NW, and Rhode Island Avenue, NW. Detour signs are posted.
•    Travel lanes in each direction of Rhode Island Avenue, NW between First Street, NW and Florida Avenue, NW are reduced to two lanes.
•    Parking restrictions remain in place on each side of Rhode Island Avenue, NW between First Street, NW and Florida Avenue, NW.

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 around the work site.
•    Parking restrictions will be in place. Please do not park in the temporary No Parking areas. When the work is complete, the signs will be removed. 

Project Details
The Northeast Boundary Tunnel (NEBT) 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. Once the NEBT is connected to the Anacostia River Tunnel and the First Street Tunnel, combined sewer overflows to the Anacostia River will be reduced by 98 percent. In addition to controlling combined sewer overflows, the Northeast Boundary Tunnel will reduce the chance of flooding in the areas it serves to a 7 percent chance in any given year.

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 soil removal and excavation

DC Water and its contractor have removed all the soil down to the clay liner between locks 12 and 13, marking 50% completion of the canal clean-up. Soil removal between Locks 13 and 14 was completed earlier this month. Meanwhile, clean-up efforts continue between locks 10 and 12, with sludge removal complete and soil removal now underway.

View of Mary at bottom of shaft inside tunnel shown from above

First turn of cutterhead signals the start of excavation for the Potomac River Tunnel Project

In a defining moment for one of the District’s largest infrastructure investments, DC Water has marked its next major milestone in the Potomac River Tunnel Project. The first tunnel boring machine, Mary, has launched her northbound journey breaking through the soil to signal the start of excavation.

With the first turn of Mary’s drill-like cutterhead underground, the machine pushed forward to begin tunneling, representing the transition from years of planning and preparation to active tunnel construction on the $819 million project.

Photo of the vegetation growing back in the culvert area
  • DC Water has completed soil removal, utilizing excavators and manual digging, to expose the clay lining for the C & O Canal between locks 13 and 14. This is the final step in the clean-up process ...

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

View of Mary at bottom of shaft inside tunnel shown from above
DC Water Launches Tunnel Boring Machine Mary, Marking Important Step for Potomac River Tunnel Project

First turn of cutterhead signals the start of excavation for the Potomac River Tunnel Project

In a defining moment for one of the District’s largest infrastructure investments, DC Water has marked its next major milestone in the Potomac River Tunnel Project. The first tunnel boring machine, Mary, has launched her northbound journey breaking through the soil to signal the start of excavation.

With the first turn of Mary’s drill-like cutterhead underground, the machine pushed forward to begin tunneling, representing the transition from years of planning and preparation to active tunnel construction on the $819 million project.

Latest Blog Post
A helicopter lowers a drill rig to workers on the Potomac River.
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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
April 15, 2026
Wednesday, 9:30 AM

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.