The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the NYC Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) and the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) announced the completion of a $51 million infrastructure project that raised streets, installed new storm sewers and reconstructed bulkheads in Broad Channel, Queens.
The project, which DDC managed for DEP and DOT, was completed on schedule and $4 million under budget.
The neighborhood is surrounded by Jamaica Bay and is one of the lowest-lying areas in the city, susceptible to storms and regular tidal flooding. In August 2020 the city completed phase one, a similar project, at a cost of $46 million.
As with phase one, the project raised roads by approximately three feet and reconstructed over 140 residential driveway areas to match the elevation of the new raised streets. Four new bulkheads were installed at the end of streets to protect them from the waters of Jamaica Bay.
To manage stormwater, over 3,000 feet of new storm sewers were installed. Approximately 3,500 feet of water mains and over 3,000 feet of sanitary sewers were also upgraded. Eight catch basins were replaced and 12 new catch basins were installed in the middle of the roads to divert water away from the properties and into the bay through the newly installed storm sewers.
The project also enhanced safety for pedestrians and drivers by upgrading pedestrian ramps, curbs, street lighting, signage and traffic signals. A new shared sidewalk design similar to phase one allows narrow streets to work as both vehicle pathways and wider pedestrian areas with flushed curbs to better manage rainwater. Roadway surfaces were enhanced by using specially scored, pigmented walkways to improve the durability of rigid concrete sidewalks.
In total, one acre of asphalt plus 31,000 square feet of sidewalk was replaced in the area, and nearly 17,000 square feet of new sidewalks were installed. To enhance fire protection, 14 fire hydrants were replaced and two new hydrants were installed.
In 2023, the project received an Envision Verified Award for its sustainability features from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI). The project was cited by ISI for improving quality of life, stakeholder relations, teamwork, and collaboration, evaluating climate resilience and enhanced infrastructure integration.
