The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) and NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) recently announced the completion of a $17.3 million water infrastructure project. Two months ahead of schedule, the finished project will improve street conditions, alleviate flooding and upgrade mains in Rosedale, Queens.
Work in Rosedale occurred on 10 individual blocks. More than one mile (5,500 feet) of water mains, some of which were installed before World War II, were replaced with new pipes ranging from eight to 12 inches in diameter. Fire protection was enhanced with the replacement of 15 fire hydrants and installation of four new fire hydrants. Two bollards were placed in front of each fire hydrant to protect them from potential vehicle damage.
A total of 2,780 feet of new storm sewers were added to the neighborhoods, ranging in size from 15 inches in diameter up to three feet by five feet. To better capture stormwater and direct it to the new storm sewers, 35 new catch basins were installed and nine existing ones were replaced. Nearly 300 feet of new 10-inch sanitary sewer was installed and 400 feet of sanitary sewers were replaced with pipes ranging from 10 to 12 inches. Two new underground sewer chambers help the new infrastructure in the neighborhood operate at peak efficiency.
As part of the final street restoration, 17,570 square yards of new asphalt was laid down over a new concrete base and 43,775 square feet of sidewalk and 8,775 feet of curbs were added or rebuilt. Throughout the project area, 27 old trees were removed but 57 new trees were planted, resulting in a net gain of 30 trees overall.
Compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) was improved with the replacement of 39 old pedestrian ramps and the addition of 10 new ADA-compliant ones.
“As extreme climate events become more frequent, infrastructure investments in our roads and sewers only become more critical,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “The completion of this project will not only improve Rosedale’s street conditions and alleviate flooding, it will also ensure safer and more resilient streets for years to come.”
The project is part of a $2.2 billion investment by the city to build a comprehensive drainage system, improve street conditions and alleviate flooding in southeast Queens. The program, the largest of its kind, consists of 43 projects overall, including 16 that are substantially completed, five that are in active construction and 11 that are in design.
“Extreme climate change events underscore the importance of infrastructure projects like this one, and these infrastructure upgrades represent a significant investment in Southeast Queens," said DOT Commissioner Hank Gutman. “We are committed to continuing to work with our fellow city agencies to keep our roads in a state of good repair and protected from flooding.”
“For as long as I can remember, Southeast Queens has had issues with flooding and rising groundwater. It’s therefore important the City’s agencies such as DEP and DDC undertake projects such as this which would help address the issue in our neighborhoods,” said Assembly Member Alicia Hyndman. “I am grateful for the continuous work and dedication of DEP and DDC staff committed to upgrading and improving the drainage infrastructure in Southeast Queens.”
SOURCE: New York City Department of Environmental Protection
