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

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. 

Placeholder DC Water Image

DC Water will host a virtual community meeting on Thursday, June 11, 2026, to inform residents and other stakeholders about the emergency rehabilitation of a section of the Potomac Interceptor at Muddy Branch in Potomac, Maryland.

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
DC Water General Manager and CEO David Gadis recognizes Lily MacDonald during the May Board of Directors meeting.
From Classroom to Community: A Student Spotlight on DC Water's SPLASH Program
A speechwriting assignment became a call to action for water access and affordability through DC Water's SPLASH program.
Upcoming Meeting
Date
June 23, 2026
Tuesday, 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.