Traffic Advisory: Sinkhole Repairs Will Result in Extended Irving Street Closure

October 20, 2020

A section of Irving Street NW near Rock Creek Park will be closed to all traffic for several weeks to allow DC Water to make urgent repairs to a historic sewer line that collapsed and created a sinkhole. There will also be closure in the 3000 block of 18th Street NW, just north of Irving Street.
 
The sinkhole in the 1800 block of Irving Street did not cause any injuries and neither water nor wastewater service has so far been impacted, but the repairs are complex and will take at least two weeks to complete.
 
DC Water has worked closely with the DC Department of Transportation on the street closing and equipment staging; Irving Street in this section runs one way, eastbound.
 
DC Water is also working closely with WMATA so that Metro bus service can be rerouted around Irving Street.

Latest News

Workers clearing brush and debris from drainage channel

National Park Service Issues Special Use Permit to Move Forward with Restoration Plan

DC Water has begun the rehabilitation and environmental restoration to address areas affected by the sewer overflow from a section of the Potomac Interceptor that collapsed January 19. Contaminated material is being hauled away and work is underway to clear trees, brush, and contaminated debris in and around the collapse site as part of the environmental restoration plan approved by the National Park Service (NPS).

Placeholder DC Water Image

Potomac Interceptor Repairs Update 
March 1, 2026

  • Today marks a milestone, as we reach the three-week point with no overflows entering the Potomac River. The last release to reach the river occurred on ...
Placeholder DC Water Image

Potomac Interceptor Repairs Update
February 28, 2026

  • The bypass pumping system continues to divert wastewater around the collapse site and back into the Potomac Interceptor, preventing any overflows ...

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

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

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.