Northbound Lanes of 14th Street NW in DC Closed for Repair

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The northbound lanes of 14th Street Northwest in Washington, D.C. have been closed just south of Thomas Circle as crews work to fill in an old brick-lined sewer tunnel that could cause the road to collapse. The issue was discovered after a nearby water main break, and D.C. Water says the northbound lanes could remain closed for the rest of the week while the stabilization work is completed.

Why it matters

The closure of the northbound lanes on a major thoroughfare in downtown D.C. will cause significant traffic disruptions in the area, impacting commuters, businesses, and residents. The potential collapse of the road also raises public safety concerns that need to be addressed quickly.

The details

Crews first shut down the northbound lanes of 14th Street Northwest on Saturday morning, fearing the weight of traffic could cause the road to give way. Further inspection confirmed the need for immediate work to stabilize the road, according to D.C. Water. The utility company said crews are now working to fill the pipe with concrete in order to prevent a potential collapse.

• The northbound lanes were closed on Saturday morning, February 8, 2026.
• The northbound lanes could remain closed for the rest of the week while the repair work is completed.

What’s next

The southbound lanes and sidewalks in the area remain open while the repairs are underway. Once the stabilization work is finished, the northbound lanes will be reopened to traffic.