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

Construction crews working with crane to prepare site for bypass

Partial Bypass Expected to Begin as Early as This Weekend

DC Water and its contractor continue to make progress to contain the sewer overflow from a collapsed section of the Potomac Interceptor (PI), a major sewer line along Clara Barton Parkway near 495 in Montgomery County, MD.  As part of that work, crews today are mobilizing equipment, clearing brush and debris, and installing pipes in preparation to bypass the flow around the damaged section of sewer line.

Image showing wastewater from manhole on Potomac Interceptor

Bypass system construction underway to contain overflow and protect waterways
Drinking water service remains safe and unaffected
One lane of eastbound Clara Barton Parkway remains closed
C & O Canal Towpath remains open; public advised to avoid contact with wastewater

Map of the impacted area.

One lane of Clara Barton Parkway Closed as a Precaution. Drinking Water is not impacted.

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
January 22, 2026
Thursday, 9:30 AM

Upcoming Events

Customer Service Center Announcement

Payment Plan Incentive: provides a credit back of 40% of the last 3 payments made and in the new fiscal year 50% will be credited. 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.