“Dear PoPville,
I’m hoping you can spread the word about DC Water’s upcoming closure of Piney Branch Parkway in Petworth because it is going to cause major headaches for folks unaware of the closure who are trying to commute in either direction along this road. Starting May 12th (and through June 8th), Piney Branch Parkway will be closed from Arkansas Ave to Beach Drive to allow for construction of the Piney Branch Tunnel project. DC Water has presented multiple times on this project to ANC 4C and delayed the Piney Branch Parkway closure dates a few times, but now it looks like this time it is actually happening.
For folks in Petworth who use Piney Branch Parkway to commute south and west to Virginia – I recommend going north and west instead (Georgia to Military Road etc).”
Full release from DC Water:
“DC Water has nearly completed construction site preparation for the Piney Branch Tunnel project, including tree removal, and installation of fences, erosion and sediment controls, utilities, and trailers. To complete site setup a section of Piney Branch Parkway will be relocated before starting the shaft and tunnel work.
On or about May 12, 2026, Piney Branch Parkway will be closed between Arkansas Avenue NW and Beach Drive. The closure is anticipated to last twenty-seven days, weather permitting. Detour signs will be in place to notify and direct motorists to alternate routes. The roadway will be returned to the original alignment at the end of the project.
Traffic Impact
Piney Branch Parkway will be closed from Arkansas Avenue NW to Beach Drive NW for up to 27 days, weather permitting.
17th Street NW between Newton Street and Piney Branch Parkway NW will be open to local traffic and residents.
Detour signs and flaggers will be in place.
The pedestrian path along Piney Branch Parkway will be maintained for the duration of the project. Expect occasional short-duration closures.
The map shows detours for Arkansas Avenue, Beach Drive, and 17th Street NW.
Piney Branch Parkway Detours
From Arkansas Avenue NW to Beach Drive motorists will be detoured to Park Road NW.
From Beach Drive to Arkansas Avenue NW motorists will be detoured to 16th Street north.
17th Street NW between Newton Street NW and Piney Branch Parkway will only be open to local traffic and residents.
The Piney Branch Tunnel (PBT) is a major infrastructure project designed to reduce combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and improve water quality in Piney Branch, Rock Creek, and the Potomac River. The four-year infrastructure project, which will continue through 2029, is part of the DC Clean Rivers long-term investment in cleaner water, healthier communities, and a more resilient wastewater system. Once implemented, the project will reduce untreated discharges into Piney Branch by an estimated 96% and limit the frequency from twenty-five events to one in a year of average rainfall.”