The need for an upgrade became apparent in 2012, when four major storms hit the city. The sewage system was overwhelmed, causing extreme flooding, private property damage, and the health risks associated with exposure to sewage.

This led to a multi-agency response and community calls for answers and action. The Mayor’s Task Force accelerated the First Street Tunnel project and made it a high priority. Work began in October 2013, and the project was completed this month.

“The First Street Tunnel was designed to relieve flooding and sewer overflows, which previously caused the streets to pond knee-deep with sewage during bad storms,” said Ravi Jain, WSP USA deputy project manager and one of the lead designers. “At times it was so bad, manhole covers would just pop up.”

WSP was the designer for the $170 million design-build project, working on behalf of the contractor, Skanska and Jay Dee Contractors (SKJD) and the owner, the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water).