A water main relocation project is coming to a stretch of Commonwealth Avenue in and around Del Ray, where one of the city’s biggest flood mitigation projects is planned.

Virginia American Water, the city’s drinking water utility, said it is starting a water main relocation on Commonwealth Avenue. The work is taking place between the 3700 block of Commonwealth Avenue and Ashby Street, and is intended to make space for new, larger stormwater pipes as part of the city’s Commonwealth, Ashby, Glebe Flood Mitigation Project in northern Del Ray.

Along with relocating the water main, Virginia American Water’s $1.5 million project will upgrade it with 2,500 feet of modern 12-inch pipe.

The project is slated to begin this week and is estimated to last through July. Work hours will be 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Virginia American Water says nearby residents will hear noise from the project but that crews would minimize it when possible. Drinking water customers in the project area could see water service disruptions, discolored water or lower water pressure.

“Crews will work as quickly as possible to shorten the duration of these temporary inconveniences,” the utility said.

Residents should report leaks, main breaks or other water-related emergencies on Virginia American Water’s website.

Commuters should expect traffic impacts for the duration of the water main replacement project. A Virginia American Water spokesperson told ALXnow lane closures will be in place on Commonwealth Avenue, but full road closures are not expected. Residents will have access to their homes and driveways during construction.

In a statement, Charles Piekanski, Virginia American Water’s vice president of operations, said “investing in our system’s infrastructure continues to be a priority as we begin 2026.”

“This partnership with the City of Alexandria and our investment is a testament to our commitment to providing safe, clean, and reliable water to the communities we serve,” Piekanski said.

The city’s flood mitigation project, designed to address flooding concerns around Commonwealth Avenue and E. Glebe Road and Ashby Street, will provide more capacity for the stormwater infrastructure. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2027 and finish by summer 2030.

Image via Google Maps.