The New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) announced on Friday, Nov. 8, the completion of a capital project in Bayside enhancing safety and aesthetics along Union Turnpike between 226th Street and Hollis Court Boulevard.
According to the DDC, the project, managed by the agency on behalf of the Department of Transportation (DOT), was completed on schedule and under its original $5.429 million budget, despite additional work requested by Con Edison.
The two-year project upgraded over two miles of curbs and added 31,700 square feet of local sidewalks. Improvements included the enhancement of 14 left-turn lanes, the revamping of four concrete bus pads, and the removal of two unused pads. To improve accessibility, 41 pedestrian ramps were upgraded to full ADA compliance, and 32 new Accessible Pedestrian Signals were installed. The project also involved the installation of 20 new light poles with LED lighting and the planting of 53 new trees, resulting in a net gain of 46 trees along the corridor.
During construction, Con Edison identified the need to fortify underground infrastructure, which involved the removal of non-friable asbestos from pipes beneath Union Turnpike. This additional work, which began in March 2024, was conducted without prior notification to the community, leading to concerns among residents about potential health risks and transparency. Con Edison later acknowledged the oversight and provided air quality reports indicating safe levels. The utility company stated that the work did not pose health impacts to the community and committed to notifying residents of future abatement work.
The completion of the Union Turnpike improvements marks the end of years of advocacy by local residents who had long pushed for a safer and more attractive streetscape.
In 2018, neighborhood activist Louis Lapolla voiced concerns over deteriorating conditions along the median, citing rotting trees and crumbling infrastructure that posed safety risks for both pedestrians and motorists. Lapolla, who had lived in the area for decades, petitioned for years to have dead trees removed, and his efforts, along with support from elected officials, underscored the community’s desire for revitalization.
The completed project not only addresses these longstanding issues but also fulfills a vision of a greener, safer Union Turnpike, enhancing the neighborhood’s appeal and livability.
