Photo showing location of 17th Street closure (Photo by USACE Courtesy Photo)

Back in 2010, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced plans to build a levee that would protect the National Mall from flood waters.

At the time, it was believed the Washington Vicinity Local Flood Protection Project would be completed by summer 2011. Three years later, project websites currently say the project is slated to be completed this fall. But that is likely not the case after the project hit a snag this spring.

Ashley W. Roberts, public affairs specialist for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Baltimore District, said in April the Corps “made the prudent decision to terminate Hirani Engineering and Land Survey’s contract for the construction of the 17th Street Closure Structure.”

“The Corps made this difficult decision after multiple attempts to help them find solutions in meeting key milestones and making progress towards completion,” Roberts continued.

According to the current fact sheet, the contract for the 17th Street Closure was awarded to Hirani “on September 16, 2010 in the amount of $4.6 million and is currently scheduled for completion in the spring of 2013.” When it’s completed, “the improved levee will consist of a removable post-and panel barrier connected to permanent masonry walls and earthen berms.”

Because of the firm’s termination, Roberts said construction at the 17th Street Closure site is currently on hold until a new contractor can be found. “At this time, we are underway with a process that places the primary responsibility of acquiring a new contractor with the insurance company, Colonial Surety Company,” she said, adding that a decision is “imminent.”

The Corps will have an updated completion date once the new contractor is found.