Rockaway Corridor's $16.6 million project upgrades sewer system, alleviates flooding

(UI) — New York officials have announced the successful completion of a $16.6 million infrastructure project that rebuilt Beach 108^th Street in Rockaway, Queens from Beach Channel Drive to Shore Front Parkway.

The reconstruction included a redesign that improves traffic safety for all road users, better accommodating increased pedestrian and cycling traffic generated by the nearby NYC Ferry landing, and new, porous pavement that will allow nearly 1.3 million gallons of stormwater to be absorbed into the ground each year, which will ease pressure on the sewer system, help to reduce flooding and improve the health of Jamaica Bay.

Under the project, which began construction in March 2021, approximately 1,100 feet of existing storm sewers and 22 catch basins were repaired or replaced and an additional 140 feet of new storm sewers plus three new catch basins were added. 

More than a mile of old concrete curbs were replaced along with adjacent sidewalks and more than 18,000 square yards of asphalt were laid down to pave the area. About 6,000 feet of old water mains were also replaced and two new fire hydrants were added.

“By including porous pavement in this reconstruction of Beach 108th Street, we are keeping more than a million gallons of stormwater out of the sewers each year which will reduce localized flooding and help protect the health of Jamaica Bay,” said NYC Chief Climate Officer and DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “DEP’s stormwater regulations require new developments to manage the rain and snow that falls on them with Green Infrastructure, and we’ll be seeing much more of these types of projects in the coming years.”

The project helped rebuild an area damaged by Superstorm Sandy and its size triggered DEP stormwater regulations that require the use of Green Infrastructure. More than 11,000 square feet of new permeable concrete slabs that allow for natural stormwater drainage through the concrete and into the ground below have been installed along the curbline. Under DEP’s Unified Stormwater Rule, which took effect in 2022, the use of Green Infrastructure will be required in projects similar to this one citywide.

In addition, a new 1,600-foot-long median was installed in the center of Beach 108^th Street with a new two-way, grade-separated bike path, 58 new trees and new benches. The addition of angled parking added over 20 new parking spots to the community as well. The new design also delivered new and widened sidewalks, new crosswalks, and curb extensions at crossings and the local bus stop.

The new two-way bike path for the first time provides dedicated cycling connections between the ferry terminal and boardwalk. And wider sidewalks and new curb extensions improve pedestrian access and shorten crossing distances. New left turn phases were also installed to improve safety and traffic flow.  

“This $16.6 million project brings safer streets and innovative new stormwater management techniques such as porous concrete that absorbs water to a coastal area that was greatly affected by Superstorm Sandy,” said NYC Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Thomas Foley.

The project was initially conceived through a community-informed process sponsored by the State’s NY Rising Program. It was made possible through a City/State partnership between MOCEJ, DOT, DEP, DDC and the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery, all working together to make the city more resilient and sustainable.

 

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