The Anacostia River Tunnel Project was a design-build CSO tunnel project that was part of the DC Water and Sewer Authority’s long term control plan to regulate combined sewer overflows to the Anacostia River Tunnel. The $253 million project was awarded to a joint venture of S.A. Healy Co., Impregilo S.p.A., and Parsons in May, 2013. Fort Myer Construction was a subcontractor on the project. A joint effort between our electrical and civil divisions, our work included nearly 1 mile of Pepco High Voltage Ductbanks with significant safety supervision, 9 conduits encased in concrete, 14 electric manholes through RFK parking lot to serve one of the drilling operations for the DC Clean Rivers project, and restoration of the surface.
As of early July 2014, the ductbank work was almost complete. Our team backfilled their trenches and final paving was in mid-July to restore and extend the surface. Four (4) electricians remained on site for five (5) years beyond the base contract dates to provide continuous support as needed such as data/communication lines and to service the underground drill rig. This was an example of one of their ongoing support tasks to install lighting in the tunnel.

 

Project Significance

Cave-ins pose the greatest risk and are much more likely than any other excavation-related accidents to result in worker fatalities. This project demonstrated Fort Myer Construction’s ability to complete over 5,000 feet of Pepco ductbank using proper trenching techniques and excavation safety procedures. Fort Myer’s project manager was commended for our excellence in safety on this project.

Curious to see what it’s like inside the tunnel? Check out DC Water’s video of the tunneling operations!