June 21, 2023

Collapsed pipe running beneath large London Plane tree had caused the 86th Street Transverse to flood during heavy rain, prompting roadway closures and creating traffic delays on both sides of Central Park; Photos are available on DEP’s Flickr Page

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), NYC Parks and the Central Park Conservancy today announced that work has been completed to repair a collapsed section of sewer that drains stormwater from the 86th Street Transverse in Central Park. Prior to the repair, flooding often occurred during heavy rainstorms, prompting roadway closures and creating traffic delays on both sides of the park. DEP funded the approximately $500,000 project and ensured that the work did not disturb a mature, 38-inch London Plane tree that was designated for preservation.

“The 86th Street transverse is a major east-west route for buses, taxis, cyclists and pedestrians, so we were pleased to coordinate with our partners at NYC Parks and the Central Park Conservancy to complete this work and ensure safe travel conditions for all New Yorkers,” said DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “The collapsed section of sewer ran beneath a valuable London Plane tree so our engineers were able to build a new sewer line around the tree and ensure future generations of New Yorkers could enjoy the shade and clean air it provides.”

“I'm so pleased we were able to work with our sister agencies and partners to coordinate this project on the 86th Street Transverse, while preserving the health of a mature, 38-inch London planetree,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “Our Forestry Division works hard to protect trees all over the city, and this is a great example of interagency collaboration to ensure that critical infrastructure and our urban forest can coexist. Thanks to DEP for funding and carrying out this important work.”

“By working together with our partners at the Department of Environmental Protection and NYC Parks on the 86th Street transverse road, we were able to alleviate chronic flooding, make critical infrastructure improvements to Central Park, and protect its vital tree canopy and ecology,” said Betsy Smith, President & CEO of the Central Park Conservancy. “This important project helps the Conservancy ensure Central Park remains accessible to all New Yorkers who rely on the transverse roads to go about their day and to visit the Park for a needed respite.”

“With all the doom and gloom out there, it is important to remember that our city still gets things done,” said City Council Majority Leader Keith Powers. “After a collapsed sewer pipe was causing frequent flooding—and frustration—on the 86th Street Transverse, DEP got right to work on repairing it without affecting any of the old growth trees above it. Thanks to the department's efforts, this important cross street will now remain useable even in heavy rain.”

“Doing this project carefully, and well, is an example of city government working the right way. It benefits all stakeholders, including the beautiful London Plane tree,” said City Council Member Gale A. Brewer.

The 86th Street Transverse passes through Central Park and connects West 86th Street on the west side of the park to East 84th and 85th Streets on the east side. During heavy rainstorms, the two-way 86th Street Transverse, with a single lane in each direction, is prone to flooding near the stone-arched West Drive Bridge. The resulting closure forces buses to be rerouted and creates traffic delays on the east and west sides of Central Park.

DEP recently conducted an inspection using a remote TV camera and discovered a collapsed section of pipe very close to a large London Plane tree, with some of the tree’s roots also infiltrating the pipe. Collaborating with NYC Parks’ forestry division and the Central Park Conservancy, a plan was devised to fix the sewer without removing or damaging the London Plane tree. Approximately 80 feet of new 24-inch reinforced concrete pipe has been rerouted around the tree, while the existing collapsed sewer will be abandoned in place to not disturb the tree’s roots. Two new access manholes were installed at the pipe’s turning points.

In the coming weeks, DEP will periodically close the 86th Street Transverse to traffic during the overnight and weekend days in order to reinforce the sewer running below the roadway from Central Park West to 5th Avenue. Crews will utilize a cured-in-place-pipe repair method that includes inserting an inflatable, epoxy resin-coated liner into the existing pipe. The resin is then exposed to a curing agent to make it harden and attach to the inner walls of the pipe. Once fully cured, the lining creates a sewer that is nearly as strong as a new pipe.

DEP manages New York City’s water supply, providing approximately 1 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water each day to nearly 10 million residents, including 8.8 million in New York City. The water is delivered from a watershed that extends more than 125 miles from the city, comprising 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes. Approximately 7,000 miles of water mains, tunnels and aqueducts bring water to homes and businesses throughout the five boroughs, and 7,500 miles of sewer lines and 96 pump stations take wastewater to 14 in-city treatment plants. DEP also protects the health and safety of New Yorkers by enforcing the Air and Noise Codes and asbestos rules. DEP has a robust capital program, with a planned $31.3 billion in investments over the next 10 years. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.

NYC Parks is the steward of more than 30,000 acres of land—14 percent of New York City—including more than 5,000 individual properties ranging from Coney Island Beach and Central Park to community gardens and Greenstreets. They operate more than 800 athletic fields and nearly 1,000 playgrounds, 1,800 basketball courts, 550 tennis courts, 65 public pools, 51 recreational facilities, 15 nature centers, 14 golf courses, and 14 miles of beaches. They care for 1,200 monuments and 23 historic house museums. They look after 600,000 street trees, and two million more in parks. They are New York City’s principal providers of recreational and athletic facilities and programs. They are home to free concerts, world-class sports events, and cultural festivals.

The mission of the Central Park Conservancy is to preserve and celebrate Central Park as a sanctuary from the pace and pressures of city life, enhancing the enjoyment and wellbeing of all. The Conservancy’s staff of more than 300 is responsible for all aspects of the Park’s stewardship, from day-to-day maintenance and operations to continued restoration and rebuilding projects. For more information, please visit centralparknyc.org.