(Washington, DC) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is developing a plan to repair and reopen Broad Branch Road, NW which was closed last week as a safety precaution after a sinkhole developed in the roadway. Engineers determined that a culvert for a creek had structurally failed, and that a further collapse of the roadway was imminent.

Because of the serious risk to public safety posed by this collapse, DDOT has closed Broad Branch Road over Soapstone Creek until permanent repairs can be made.

The necessary permanent repairs to Broad Branch Road will be relatively complex, and will involve multiple local and federal agencies. Because Soapstone Creek is involved, DDOT will need a permit from the US Army Corp of Engineers (USACE). Because Rock Creek Park is involved, DDOT will need a permit from the National Park Service (NPS). Both agencies have been advised of the emergency need to complete this repair, and all agencies are now collaborating on this project.

DDOT is currently undertaking emergency procurement efforts to complete the repair design and to identify a contractor who will complete the work. DDOT will then need to submit this information to USACE and NPS, after which permitting and then repairs will proceed. DDOT will make available more information about the timeline of these repairs in the coming days, but residents should prepare themselves for an extended closure.

DDOT understands the inconvenience the closing of Broad Branch Road has on travelers and the adjacent neighborhood, and we ask for your patience while we work to repair and reopen the roadway.

Please do not pass the barricades unless you are accessing the adjacent residences or embassy. There is nothing supporting the asphalt for approximately 20 feet and it could be very dangerous for drivers and pedestrians.