Alexandria has something to celebrate: the city’s ambitious RiverRenew tunnel project has picked up a prestigious national construction honor, shining a spotlight on one of the most significant infrastructure improvements in the city’s recent history.

RiverRenew is Alexandria’s landmark combined sewer overflow tunnel project, designed to dramatically reduce the amount of untreated sewage and stormwater that flows into the Potomac River and its tributaries during heavy rain events. The project represents a major step forward for the health of the local waterway and the quality of life for residents who live, work, and play along Alexandria’s beloved waterfront.

The national recognition, reported by The Alexandria Brief, underscores the scale and complexity of the engineering work involved — and the dedication of the teams who have been bringing it to life beneath the city’s streets. Being singled out for a construction honor at the national level places Alexandria alongside some of the most impressive infrastructure projects in the country.

The timing of the award is especially meaningful as Alexandria continues to invest in the long-term environmental health of the Potomac River corridor. Cleaner waterways benefit everyone — from the families who enjoy the city’s waterfront parks and trails, to the wildlife that depends on a healthy river ecosystem.

Also adding to the community’s good-news week: the Around the World Cultural Food Festival is set to mark its 10th anniversary on Alexandria’s waterfront on August 29. The milestone celebration brings together the city’s rich tapestry of cultures through food, music, and community gathering — a fitting reminder of what makes Alexandria such a vibrant and welcoming place to call home. A decade of waterfront festivals is no small feat, and the anniversary edition promises to be a memorable one for locals and visitors alike.

From award-winning underground infrastructure to a beloved community tradition hitting double digits, Alexandria is showing once again that it’s a city that takes pride in both its past and its future.

Sources: The Alexandria Brief, thezebra.org