Capital Crescent Trail Detour Due to Repairs

Date: July 25, 2017
Contact: Brendan Wilson, 240-291-8466

Washington, DC - The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) is working on the Upper Potomac Interceptor (UPI) adjacent to the Capital Crescent Trail (CCT) to prepare it for re-activation. Work so far has included the installation of a liner and repairs to manholes. In August 2017, DC Water will start to work on the diverter box located at the Foundry Branch Tunnel. In order to perform this work, users of the CCT will be detoured onto a parallel trail around the construction area. This detour involves wooden ramps and sharp turns. The ramps will be coated to increase traction but may be slippery when wet. All cyclists are asked to slow down and use caution when traveling in this area. The detour will be in effect the week of July 31 and is expected to last 16 weeks.

Additionally, construction involves the use of heavy equipment and vehicles that travel on the CCT. Closures of the CCT will be minimized but will occur from time to time to allow movement of equipment. CCT users are also encouraged to use the C&O Canal Towpath to avoid this area.

The work is necessary to bring the UPI back into service and help prevent sewage spills during heavy rain events. Construction should be completed in December 2017.