News Release

National Park Service to Conduct Annual Test Installation of the 17th Street Levee

17th Street levee installed as part of NPS annual testing.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: September 16, 2026
Contact: NCR Communications

WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, Sept. 23, the National Park Service will close 17th Street between Constitution Avenue NW and Independence Avenue SW from 5 a.m. until approximately 2 p.m. to perform a test installation of the 17th Street levee. This annual installation is required by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which constructed and regulates the levee system, to ensure that the flood-protection barrier can be deployed effectively if needed. 

Motorists, pedestrians and cyclists should plan alternative routes to bypass the closed area. Sidewalk detours will be in place for pedestrians.

The 17th Street levee is part of the Potomac Park Levee System that protects downtown and southwestern portions of Washington, D.C. from flooding by the Potomac River. In the event of high water, aluminum panels are placed between steel posts across 17th Street NW south of Constitution Avenue NW to reduce flood risks to human safety and critical infrastructure. The 17th Street levee is operated and maintained by the National Park Service.

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About the National Park Service. Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of America’s national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with millions of people every year. Learn more at nps.gov. 

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