Traffic Advisory: Rhode Island Avenue NE Upcoming Traffic Pattern Change

April 07, 2021

On or about April 12, 2021, DC Water contractors will begin mobilizing a construction site on Rhode Island Avenue NE in the median area, extending from Reed Street NE to the entrance of Forman Mills parking lot. The construction site will occupy the middle two lanes and will be surrounded by a temporary concrete barrier and fence for safety. Traffic will flow around the median area work zone in two lanes traveling in each direction. Left turns will not be permitted from eastbound Rhode Island Avenue NE onto Reed Street NE and 10th Street NE. 

During this traffic phase, the work hours are from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The construction staging area will remain in place for the duration of the work which is expected to be completed near the end of 2021.

This work is a part of the Northeast Boundary Tunnel Project’s construction site located on Rhode Island Ave NE near the 8th Place NE intersection.
 

Travel and Parking Restrictions
•    Travel is reduced to two lanes in each direction of Rhode Island Avenue NE between 12th Street NE and the entrance of the Forman Mills.
•    8th Place NE will remain closed to traffic.
•    No left turns from Rhode Island Avenue NE onto Reed Street NE or 10th Street NE. Motorists may use 12th Street NE to Franklin Avenue NE as a detour to Reed Street NE.
•    Parking restrictions are in place on each side of Rhode Island Avenue between 12th Street NE and extending just beyond the WMATA Rhode Island Avenue -Brentwood Metro Station bridge.
•    Bus stops #1001797 (westbound) and #1001790 (eastbound) have been relocated to the west of the worksite before the WMATA Rhode Island Avenue -Brentwood Metro Station bridge.

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 worksite.
•    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

Pennyfield Lock Potomac Interceptor bypass pipeline running next to C & O Canal with equipment

There is no active spill or overflow. Work to strengthen the pipe to begin soon.

Today, DC Water completed construction on a temporary bypass system as part of sewer repairs on the Potomac Interceptor near Pennyfield Lock in Potomac, Maryland. Crews turned on the pumps and successfully tested the system. With the bypass now ready, it will allow us to begin the emergency repairs inside the pipe by carrying the wastewater around the repair area.

DC Water Officials with NPS and ANC commissioners doing ceremonial groundbreaking

Today, DC Water broke ground on the Piney Branch Tunnel, the final major tunnel in our Clean Rivers Project. This work will help keep sewage and trash out of local waterways and make Rock Creek, the Potomac River, and the Chesapeake Bay cleaner for our community.

When we finish the Piney Branch Tunnel, it will hold at least 4.2 million gallons of rainwater and wastewater during heavy storms. Instead of overflowing into Piney Branch, that water will go to the Blue Plains Water Resource Recovery Facility, where it will be treated.

Photo of the drop shaft looking from above down into the bottom

Starting the week of July 13, 2026, people who live, work or travel near the Canal Road NW entrance to Georgetown University may hear controlled blasting. This work is part of our Potomac River Tunnel Project.

When blasting happens, neighbors may hear a brief noise or feel light shaking. Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians on Canal Road NW may also be stopped for a few minutes while we safely complete each blast.

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

DC Water Officials with NPS and ANC commissioners doing ceremonial groundbreaking
DC Water Breaks Ground on Piney Branch Tunnel, Final Phase of DC Clean Rivers Project

Today, DC Water broke ground on the Piney Branch Tunnel, the final major tunnel in our Clean Rivers Project. This work will help keep sewage and trash out of local waterways and make Rock Creek, the Potomac River, and the Chesapeake Bay cleaner for our community.

When we finish the Piney Branch Tunnel, it will hold at least 4.2 million gallons of rainwater and wastewater during heavy storms. Instead of overflowing into Piney Branch, that water will go to the Blue Plains Water Resource Recovery Facility, where it will be treated.

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 16, 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.