DC Water Clean Rivers Project
Project Overview
DC Water began the next phase of construction for the Potomac River Tunnel Project near the university entrance site at Canal Road NW on January 12, 2026. The construction site is located in the wooded area between the university entrance and Canal Road NW.
At this location, DC Water will construct a drop shaft and an underground facility to connect the existing sewer infrastructure to the Potomac River Tunnel to capture combined sewage and stormwater from overflowing into the river and divert it for treatment.
Construction Impacts
Work Hours & Noise Impacts
Increased construction activity, equipment, and personnel in the area are expected for the duration of the project.
Construction will take place Monday through Saturday, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. This work will generate audible noise during these hours. Click here for the list of campus no and limited work dates.
What to Expect
The mobilization phase will last approximately three to four months and will stage the area for work. This includes installing fencing, signage, and safety barriers as well as protecting nearby buildings and infrastructure.
Beginning in mid-July 2026 and continuing through mid-2027, contractors with DC Water will conduct periodic underground blasts near Entrance Six along Canal Road. These controlled blasts are scheduled to occur every ten to fourteen days between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. While individuals within 1,000 feet of the site may hear the blast, no perceptible vibrations or other physical impacts are expected.
Pedestrians and vehicles are not permitted in the immediate area on West Road and Canal Road during the blasting. Flaggers (flag icon) and police (star icon) will clear the area of people and vehicles.
Strict safety protocols will be in place for each blast, with Georgetown University Police Department (GUPD) officers and DC Water staff on-site to halt traffic, temporarily suspend entry to the Southwest Quad Garage, clear the immediate area and ensure safe pedestrian passage. Community members will be alerted via air horn with a five-minute warning (three long horns), a one-minute warning (two long horns) and an all-clear signal (one long horn), and the process will be immediately paused to accommodate any approaching emergency vehicles. Please note that GUTS bus schedules may also experience minor delays or disruptions due to blasting operations.
More information can be found in this recent message to the community. Please contact the Office of Planning & Facilities Management at construction@georgetown.edu if you have any questions. The DC Water Project Hot Line is 202-972-1388.
The construction phase will begin immediately after the mobilization phase and is estimated to conclude in early 2029. This phase will include excavation, construction of the drop shaft and diversion structures, and preparation for the tunnel boring machine to pass through the drop shaft.
The final phase is site restoration, which is anticipated to start in early 2029 and conclude in spring 2029.
Safety Measures
The Canal Road NW entrance will remain open. The primary work zone will be in the wooded area near this entrance. The project team will secure the entire site against public access, using clear signage and physical barriers to guide road users safely around the work zone.
