Nannie helen burroughs avenue DC-295 underpass flood mitigation

The District of Columbia Department of Public Works received a $1.0 million Project Grant from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) under the Highway Planning and Construction program (CFDA 20.205), awarded on September 25, 2025, with completion targeted for June 30, 2028. The award funds engineering analysis and mitigation planning for flood risks affecting the Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue DC-295 underpass and the surrounding Watts Branch watershed in Washington, DC.

The project deliverables include a comprehensive analysis of existing flooding conditions; development of flood mitigation engineering concepts in collaboration with nearby residents and key stakeholders; evaluation of resilience and co-benefits associated with proposed mitigation solutions; and implementation of an inclusive public and stakeholder engagement process designed to ensure equitable and sustainable outcomes for affected neighborhoods. The initiative addresses infrastructure resilience through climate adaptation and hazard mitigation activities consistent with FHWA's current transportation infrastructure priorities.

Project description

'this project will analyze existing flooding conditions near the underpass and in the surrounding watts branch watershed. Develop flood mitigation engineering concepts in collaboration with nearby residents and other key stakeholders that will reduce the risk of the area near the underpass being flooded during heavy rains. Evaluate the resilience and other benefits of the flood mitigation engineering concepts. Engage the public and other key stakeholders using a process that creates equitable, inclusive, and sustainable outcomes for the residents in nearby neighborhoods.'