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North Old Town Sewer Project Could Reduce Basement Backups—Residents Get a Preview Wednesday, Nov. 4

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City of Alexandria street-level illustration of planned sanitary sewer and manhole installation near Vernon Street and North Henry Street — City engineering illustration showing proposed sewer improvements near Vernon and North Henry streets. Image: City of Alexandria.

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Residents in North Old Town can learn more next Wednesday about a sewer project intended to reduce backups and basement flooding around Colonial Avenue.

The City of Alexandria will hold an open house for the Colonial Avenue Sanitary Sewer Separation Project on Wednesday, November 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe St.

City staff will discuss the proposed construction approach, expected temporary impacts and what neighbors can anticipate as work begins.

City of Alexandria map showing Colonial Avenue sewer separation project area and existing sanitary and combined sewer lines — The City’s project-area map identifies the sanitary sewer improvements planned for the Westover neighborhood. Map: City of Alexandria.

The project aims to separate sanitary wastewater from the combined sewer system and connect it to a sanitary-only line near North Fayette Street. The affected area includes portions of Bashford Avenue, Powhatan Street, Second Street, Colonial Avenue and Vernon Street.

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According to the City, separating wastewater from the combined system should reduce sewer backups during heavy rains. Construction is anticipated to begin in November 2026.

Neighbors may wish to ask about parking, noise, working hours, street access and property-specific construction impacts.

Learn more through the City’s Colonial Avenue project page.