As we mentioned earlier this week, CSX is moving full steam ahead with the Virginia Avenue Tunnel construction project. More street closures and utility disruptions have been announced that residents of Near Southeast should know about, as well as anyone who drives through the area.
L Street Closure
Potentially as soon as Wednesday, August 12, L Street S.E. will be closed midway between 10th and 11th Streets, S.E., blocking access to 11th Street S.E. for the duration of the project. Pedestrian and vehicle traffic and parking will be prohibited on the east end of the 1000 block of L St. This is necessary to accommodate installation of additional pilings, utility relocation work, future excavation work and ultimately construction of the new south tunnel.
As part of the closing, traffic control devices and signs will assist drivers and pedestrians in detouring around the closure. Travelers headed east on L Street will be instructed to turn right on 10th Street, left on M Street and then right or left on 11th Street, depending on their desired direction. Southbound drivers on 11th Street will be prohibited from turning right on L Street and will be directed to M Street instead. Access to businesses located in the 1000 block of L Street will be maintained.
Temporary 11th Street S.E. Lane Closures
Later this month, temporary lane closures will occur on both the north- and south-bound lanes of 11th Street, S.E. Traffic will always be able to flow in each direction, but lanes will be reduced temporarily while pilings and temporary street decks are installed in 11th Street. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
Potential Water-service Disruptions, 300 Block of Virginia Avenue
As part of the relocation of the water supply in the 300 block of Virginia Avenue, it may be necessary to interrupt service to residential water customers in that block on two occasions, once to switch service to the relocated main and once to move individual customers’ water meters. These interruptions are likely to occur during the weeks of August 17-21 or August 24-28. Each interruption may be up to two hours in duration. Every possible effort will be made to minimize the time that water service is not available. More information will be provided as plans are finalized. We apologize for any inconveniences these outages may cause.
Open House August 13
If you have questions about any of these announcements or any other topic related to the tunnel, please plan to attend the next Virginia Avenue Tunnel open house on Thursday, August 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel, 140 L Street, S.E.
For more information, visit www.