City Begins $51.8 Million Infrastructure Project in Rosedale, Queens That Will Prevent Flooding, Improve Water Distribution, Add New Roads
July 31, 2024
Projects Will Replace Water Mains That Were Installed Before the 1940s; Will Add Traffic Safety Improvements on Francis Lewis Boulevard and Hook Creek Boulevard
The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) and the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) today announced the start of a $51.8 million infrastructure project in Rosedale, Queens that will help manage stormwater in the area, improve tap water distribution, reconstruct the streets, and make other transportation improvements in the area. DDC is managing the project for DEP and DOT.
“New York City is putting more money into improving the sewer and water infrastructure of Southeast Queens than any other neighborhood in the city,” said DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “As climate change brings more extreme rainfall, this $51 million investment will ensure better stormwater drainage, as well as tap water distribution, in Rosedale and improve the lives of property and business owners in this area for decades to come. I’d like to thank DDC and DOT for their partnership on this major project.”
“Not only will this infrastructure project prevent flooding and bring new roadways, but it will deliver critical safety enhancements to an underserved area in Southeast Queens,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “The replacement of curbs, sidewalks, and pedestrian ramps, as well as the addition or upgrade of street lighting, traffic signals, signage, bus pads, and pavement markings will benefit many pedestrians and bus riders in the Rosedale community.”
“The people of Rosedale desperately need these major improvements, which will prevent future flooding and ponding occurrences in the area,” said NYC Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Thomas Foley. “They have waited and dealt with flooding for far too long. This project will upgrade the drainage system and water distribution system and add catch basins to direct storm water. Broken curbs, roads and sidewalks will also be fixed to better serve pedestrians and riders.”
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, the largest of its kind, consists of 46 projects overall, including 24 that are already completed.
The project is expected to be completed in the winter of 2026.
“Southeast Queens has been incredibly flood prone for generations, all while the city has historically disinvested in these communities—but no more. We are finally reversing that trend and making sure communities like Rosedale have the upgraded infrastructure it needs to prevent disruptive and damaging floods,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “As climate change continues to creep in, investments like these have never been more important. That’s why I’m proud to have secured $2 billion in infrastructure upgrades for Southeast Queens while in the City Council and I look forward to completing even more of these critical projects in the coming years.”
“Flood protection is essential to the health and safety of the Rosedale community,” said New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. “This investment will help modernize our infrastructure and ensure Rosedale is prepared to withstand the city’s severe weather events for years to come.”
“As someone who deeply cares about our community, I understand the frustration that frequent flooding has caused for many of our residents,” said New York State Senator James Sanders Jr. “The installation of new water mains will be a game-changer in preventing these issues. Moreover, the improvements to our roads, sidewalks, and curbs will make a tangible difference in the daily lives of pedestrians and drivers alike. I am proud to support these much-needed upgrades and am excited to witness the positive impact they will have on Rosedale.”
About the NYC Department of Environmental Protection
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 8.5 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 $29 billion in investments over the next 10 years. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook, or follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter.
About the NYC Department of Transportation
The New York City Department of Transportation’s (NYC DOT) mission is to provide for the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible movement of people and goods in the City of New York and to maintain and enhance the transportation infrastructure crucial to the economic vitality and quality of life of our primary customers, City residents. NYC DOT’s staff manage an annual operating budget of $1.4 billion and a ten-year $33 billion capital program, along with 6,300 miles of streets and highways, over 12,000 miles of sidewalk, and approximately 800 bridges and tunnels, including the iconic East River bridges. NYC DOT’s staff also installs and maintains nearly one million street signs, 13,250 signalized intersections, over 315,000 street lights, and over 350 million linear feet of markings.
About the NYC Department of Design and Construction
The Department of Design and Construction is the City’s primary capital construction project manager. In supporting Mayor Adams’ long-term vision of growth, sustainability, resiliency, equity and healthy living, DDC provides communities with new or renovated public buildings such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, and new or upgraded roads, sewers and water mains in all five boroughs. To manage this $28 billion portfolio, DDC partners with other City agencies, architects and consultants, whose experience bring efficient, innovative and environmentally-conscious design and construction strategies to City projects. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/ddc.