The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) along with NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) and the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) announced on July 31, 2024, the start of a $51.8 million construction project.

The project will take place in Rosedale, Queens that will help manage stormwater in the area, improve tap water distribution, reconstruct streets, and make other transportation improvements in the area.

DDC is managing the project for DEP and DOT.

The project will expand the storm sewer system, addressing years of severe flooding episodes in the Rosedale area.

Nearly 1.5 miles of local storm sewers will be upgraded or newly installed, increasing the drainage network. The construction of 92 catch basins will help to drain precipitation from the roadways while 13 underground storm chambers will further boost capacity.

More than half a mile of sanitary sewers will also be upgraded or newly installed.

During construction, almost two miles of water mains will be upgraded from six-to eight-inch cast iron pipes to stronger eight-to 12-inch ductile iron pipes.

These newer pipes are more resilient and less prone to breakage than the cast iron pipes typically used decades ago.

Additionally, 14 new hydrants will be added and 21 will be upgraded to ensure firefighters have ready access to the city’s water supply during emergencies.

The project will reconstruct 36 blocks with new roadways, will replace over 4.5 miles of damaged/broken curbs and over 4.5 acres of sidewalks, and will construct 130 ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps.

The project will improve traffic safety and traffic flow in the area, on major roadways such as Francis-Lewis Boulevard, Hook Creek Boulevard and Hungry Harbor Road, and traffic signs, pavement markings, bus pads, street lighting and traffic signals, will be added or upgraded.

Over 140 new street trees will also be planted in the area.

The project is part of a $2.64 billion investment made by the city to build a comprehensive drainage system, improve street conditions, and alleviate flooding in neighborhoods throughout southeast Queens.

The program consists of 46 projects overall, including 24 that are already completed.

Source: Stormwater Solutions