
From DC Water:
“Starting the week of July 13, 2026, people who live, work or travel near the Canal Road NW entrance to Georgetown University may hear controlled blasting. This work is part of our Potomac River Tunnel Project.
When blasting happens, neighbors may hear a brief noise or feel light shaking. Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians on Canal Road NW may also be stopped for a few minutes while we safely complete each blast.
We need to blast underground to dig a deep shaft at the northern end of the 5.5-mile tunnel system. The shaft will help connect the new tunnel to the sewer system we already have.
Two tunnel boring machines (TBM) will dig the tunnel. The TBM Mary will tunnel the 2.4-mile section to the Georgetown University site. Her sister TBM, Emily, will tunnel the 3.1 miles south to Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling and connect to the existing Anacostia River Tunnel. When the tunnel is finished in 2030, it will help keep stormwater and wastewater out of the Potomac River during heavy rain.
What to Expect (more…)