A deteriorating Glendale underpass is getting a makeover. Come summer, it will be safer for both cars passing underneath and trains chugging overhead.
However, the community says there are still issues in the area that need to be addressed.
The Department of Design and Construction (DDC) took on the current $6 million capital reconstruction project in January 2012 on behalf of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Department of Transportation (DOT). As of February, 65 percent of the work had been completed.
For the project, DDC is rebuilding the underpass’ retaining wall and installing new sidewalks along with six catch basins underneath.
“The retaining walls were in a state of disrepair,” a DDC spokesperson said. “We’re building a brand new underpass with new concrete walls, and we’re also installing additional catch basins to help remove storm water more quickly.”
However, community members are concerned about the potential for excess storm water.
“I don’t believe [this project] is going to do anything near what needs to be done to solve flooding problems in the Glendale community during heavy rains,” said Gary Giordano, district manager of Community Board 5.
Giordano recalled two incidents in which the underpass area collected a significant amount of water, once reaching 12 feet.
Giordano said possible fixes include enlarging the sewer line or installing a retainer tank to hold storm water until sewer plants can handle it.
“These rains are getting stronger and more frequent,” he said.
The community has been in talks with Councilmember Elizabeth Crowley and the DEP to resolve the issue.
Still, community members are glad about the DDC project.
“Panels on top of the retaining walls in some areas were so deteriorated, you could see the steel beneath,” said Giordano. “You don’t want those falling down on the street.”
RECOMMENDED STORIES
- Leaders want Southeast Queens flooding fixed
- More shops, other changes coming to Atlas Park
- FDNY captain honored as hero for saving Glendale father
