City officials are hopeful the completion of an array of sewer and storm drain upgrades will bring an end to flash flooding in southeast Queens.
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced on July 20 the completion of several construction projects, including the installation of new catch basins and sewer extensions, throughout neighborhoods of southeast Queens. The projects were a part of the city’s commitment to address the flooding in Queens.
“The installation of these catch basins and sewers in various southeast Queens neighborhoods will improve drainage during heavy rainstorms, which will subsequently reduce localized street flooding and bring some peace of mind to residents,” said DEP Acting Commissioner Vincent Sapienza. “This work is part of Mayor de Blasio’s $1.7 billion commitment to build infrastructure in southeast Queens that will improve the quality of life for residents and businesses.”
The projects included the following work:
Ten new catch basins and more than 800 linear feet of storm sewers were installed along portions of Nashville Boulevard and Grayson Street in St. Albans. Two new catch basins and more than 50 linear feet of storm sewers were installed along 201st Street, between 115th Avenue and 116th Avenue. Upgrades were made to the sanitary sewers and water mains and an existing seepage catch basin was connected to the storm sewer to allow for improved drainage.
Three new catch basins and 30 linear feet of storm sewers were installed along Irwin Place, between Leslie Road and Troutville Road in Jamaica. Additionally, upgrades were made to the sanitary sewers and water mains.
In South Jamaica, seven new catch basins and over 1,100 linear feet of storm sewers were installed along portions of 115th Avenue, 157th Street, 177th Street, 112th Avenue, 176th Street and 111th Avenue. In addition, 18 existing seepage catch basins were connected to storm sewers to allow for improved drainage. Four catch basins at the intersection of 111th Avenue and 155 Street that were modified and reset lower than street grade, allowing them to capture more stormwater. Upgrades were also made to the sanitary sewers and water mains.
Eight existing catch basins at the intersection of 224th Street and 145th Road in Laurelton were modified and reset lower than street grade, which will allow them to capture more stormwater.
Finally, eight new catch basins and nearly 500 linear feet of storm sewers were installed along North Conduit Avenue, between Brookville Boulevard and Francis Lewis Boulevard in Rosedale.
Mayor Bill de Blasio committed $1.7 billion to combat the flooding in Queens. The majority of the funding is set to go toward the construction of large trunk sewer spines along 150th Street, Guy Brewer Boulevard, Farmers Boulevard and Springfield Boulevard. Ground is expected to break on this project later this year.
Additionally, an estimated 200 curbside rain gardens will be constructed in and around Cambria Heights and Queens Village to help intercept stormwater before it makes it to the sewer system. Other projects for the funding include green infrastructure components at three city parks, two public schools and one NYCHA facility.
