Project Summary
Phase: Design
Status: Active
Location: Potomac West
Managing Dept.: Project Implementation
Sponsor Dept.: Transportation & Environmental Services
Project Description
The Mt. Vernon Cul-de-sac Inlets and Alley Improvements Project will provide flood mitigation for townhomes on the 100 block of Mt. Vernon Avenue. Inlets and underground storage vaults will be installed on Mt. Vernon Avenue to capture and attenuate storm water runoff. The addition of new underground utilities will require the relocation of the local water utility. The City is reviewing the impacts of re-grading the lower portion of the alley and installing a storm sewer system at the bottom of the alley to control and collect surface runoff.
The photos below are examples of the new infrastructure and features that will be installed.
Funding
Project Budget: $2,060,000
Funding Sources:
Learn more about the City of Alexandria's Fiscal Year Budget.
Schedule
- Planning: January 2021 - September 2021
- Design: October 2021 - April 2026
- Construction: April 2026 - December 2027
Progress Update
September 2025
In Spring 2025, Virginia American Water completed neighborhood-wide upgrades to the municipal water supply system. As part of this effort, the water main and laterals along Mt. Vernon Avenue were relocated to accommodate the City’s planned storm sewer improvements. This work has been completed and the roadway has been restored.
Over the summer of 2025, the City scoped design alternatives in response to comments received at earlier community meetings. These alternatives have now been developed by the City’s consultant and submitted. Staff are currently reviewing the options to evaluate cost, performance, and community impacts to identify the best solution.
Once this review is complete, City staff will reconnect with impacted residents to share findings and address any remaining concerns prior to publishing the construction solicitation.
February 2025
In January, Virginia American Water (VAW) distributed work notifications for pending water main upgrades and began work in the neighborhood, including on Mt. Vernon Avenue. The project is expected to be complete by May. In order to minimize disruption, the City's drainage improvement project will not begin until after this work is complete.
During the ongoing construction effort, the City is working to address concerns raised by community members during the October meeting and is developing mitigation options. City staff will reconnect with impacted residents to address any remaining concerns and share finding before publishing the construction solicitation.
All private construction, including upgrades to municipal services such as the VAW water main project, must comply with the City's construction code and permit conditions.
Residents seeking more information on the water main upgrades may contact Virginia American Water using the details provided in the work notices.
January 2025
The relocation of the waterline on Mt. Vernon Avenue is scheduled to begin in February.
In January, the City’s municipal water service provider will distribute detailed notices outlining the planned relocation work. Before construction begins in February, impacted residents will receive "Code Red" notifications through text messages, emails, and phone calls.
The waterline relocation work will occur within the public right-of-way and is anticipated to be completed by May. All activities will comply with the City’s construction ordinances.
The City will host a public meeting to provide an overview of the project scope and construction timeline before the project begins.
The City is committed to minimizing construction impacts as we undertake essential storm sewer improvements. City staff encourages residents to stay informed. Thank you for your patience as we work to improve our infrastructure.
November 2024
The City has been addressing the feedback residents provided during the pre-construction kickoff meeting in October. City staff are investigating options to reduce parking and trash collection service impacts on residents.
Utility relocations within the City's right-of-way are planned for early 2025 to accommodate the proposed underground runoff storage vaults and the new storm sewer pipes.
The City will continue to coordinate with utility providers and residents to prepare for construction. Revised plans are expected in January 2025.
October 2024
The City is preparing to advertise the construction services solicitation for the Mt. Vernon Cul-de-sac Inlets and Alley project. In tandem with the final approvals process, the City is coordinating with impacted utility providers to finalize relocation plans. Utility relocations are expected to begin in early 2025 and conclude within Q2 of 2025. Public notices to impacted residents will be issued by the utility providers prior to any service disruptions.
The City hosted a public construction kickoff meeting in late October to announce the start of the construction phase, present anticipated impacts to residents along the 100 & 00 blocks of Mt. Vernon Avenue and answer questions about the project.
Meeting invites were issued prior to the public meeting. Meeting materials and information can be found under the Community Engagement menu at the bottom of the page.
Design/Construction
Overview
The Mt. Vernon Cul-de-sac Inlets and Alley Improvements Project will provide flood mitigation for townhomes on the 100 block of Mt. Vernon Avenue. Inlets and underground storage vaults will be installed on Mt. Vernon Avenue to capture and attenuate storm water runoff. The addition of new underground utilities will require the relocation of the local water utility. The City is reviewing the impacts of re-grading the lower portion of the alley and installing a storm sewer system at the bottom of the alley to control and collect surface runoff.
Community Engagement
The City hosted a public construction kickoff meeting in late October 2024 to announce the start of the construction phase, present anticipated impacts to residents along the 100 & 00 blocks of Mt. Vernon Avenue, and answer questions about the project.
The City hosted a public design update meeting in October 2025 to present changes to the scope of the project based on the feedback received at the last community presentation.
What to Expect During Construction
Anticipated Site Mobilization: Spring 2026
Construction Hours
General Construction Activity*:
- Monday-Friday: 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
*Note: Actual Construction Activity hours Are Subject to Change and will be Determined as the Construction Phase Progresses.
Planning
SPONSOR PROGRAM
This project is part of the Flood Action Alexandria program. In response to more frequent, intense climate-change-induced storm events, the City of Alexandria launched Flood Action Alexandria, a multipronged program to help address flooding issues in our community.