Skip to content

Northeast Boundary Tunnel (NEBT)

The Northeast Boundary Tunnel (NEBT) Project is part of the Anacostia River Tunnel System in Washington, D.C. The NEBT project is included in the Consent Decree Modification for the Potomac River and Rock Creek. NEBT is the long-term solution recommended by the Mayor’s Task Force to prevent flooding.

43%
Reduction in likeliness of flooding in a given year
98%
Reduction in combined sewer overflows discharging untreated water to the Anacostia River
100
Year Lifespan

Overview

The NEBT is the biggest component of DC Water’s Clean Rivers Project. The NEBT is a large, deep sewer tunnel that increases the capacity of the District’s sewer system, significantly mitigating the frequency, magnitude, and duration of sewer flooding. It will also help improve the water quality of the Anacostia River.

  • The tunnel is 50-160 feet below ground and runs 27,000 feet from just south of Robert F. Kennedy Stadium to the intersection of Rhode Island Avenue NW and 6th Street NW. It is aligned to intersect with the existing chronic flood areas along Rhode Island Avenue NW.
  • With the completion of the NEBT Project in 2025, the CSO Overflow Volume to the Anacostia River will reduce by 98 percent from the 1996 baseline.

Technical Highlights

The project included construction of the following elements:

  • Installation of 26,700-foot-long tunnel
  • 90 to 180 feet below ground
  • 7 deep shafts
  • Ventilation control facilities to regulate air flow
  • Construction of diversion facilities along tunnel alignment
  • Green infrastructure for 11 sites
  • 100-year life requirement

RECOGNITION

  • 2024 Underground Construction Association (UCA) Project of the Year Award in the “Greater than $500M” category