New asphalt is laid after water and sewer mains have been replaced in Hollis and Queens Village. Image Credit: NYC DEP

The project was completed 5 months early and $2.7 million under budget and is a part of the $1.9 billion program to improve street and flooding conditions in southeast Queens. On June 2, 2021, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection announced that a $20.5 million project to upgrade infrastructure, improve street conditions, and alleviate flooding in Hollis and Queens Village had been completed.

The infrastructure project has been completed five months ahead of schedule and originally began in March 2019. The project was funded by the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Transportation, while the construction was managed by the Department of Design and Construction.

The project’s construction occurred on twenty individual blocks and over one mile, approximately 7,090 feet, of water mains were replaced. An additional 525 feet of water mains were added. The former water mains had been installed since before World War II. The newly installed pipes ranged from six to twenty inches in diameter.

Fire protection was also enhanced. Eighteen fire hydrants were replaced and four new fire hydrants were installed by the project. Two bollards were placed in front of each fire hydrant to protect them from damage from vehicles.

The project laid down 30,055 square yards of new asphalt over a newly installed concrete base. Approximately 4,610 feet of curbs and 20,640 feet of sidewalks were also reconstructed. The newly installed curbs and sidewalks were leveled to help guide stormwater to catch basins and ensure adequate drainage.

Pedestrian safety was improved by the project through the installation of curb extensions to shorten the distance for pedestrians to cross the street. The project also installed a 300-foot bus pad and replaced two new ones. Thirty-three pedestrian ramps were replaced in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The project is a part of a $1.9 billion investment by the de Blasio Administration. The goal of the project is to build an all-new comprehensive drainage system in order to improve street conditions and alleviate flooding throughout southeast Queens. The program consists of 44 projects, including sixteen substantially completed projects and five projects in active construction. The program is the largest of its kind.

Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Vincent Sapienza stated, “This $20 million investment in Hollis and Queens Village will immediately improve the quality of life for residents and businesses, and with another $1.7 billion earmarked for sewer and drainage upgrades across southeast Queens there are a lot more of these projects happening. Thanks to our partners at DOT and kudos to the professionals at DDC who completed this project ahead of schedule and under budget!”

Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Jamie Torres-Springer stated, “This project, which were proud to complete months ahead of schedule, is part of the de Blasio Administration’s $1.9 billion commitment to comprehensively improve drainage and street conditions throughout southeast Queens. The program is greatly improving the quality of life for residents and business owners and consists of 44 infrastructure projects overall, including 16 that have already been completed and 11 others that are currently in design.”

Department of Transportation Queens Borough Commissioner Nicole Garcia stated, “This sewer and water main project, which will also upgrade the local streetscape with roadway repaving, new sidewalks, curb extensions, pedestrian ramps and bus pads, will improve the quality of life for everyone who lives and does business in Hollis and Queens Village. We thank our partners at DDC and DEP, and all the local elected officials and community residents who helped us get this critical infrastructure investment across the finish line early and under budget.”

By: Patrick McNeill (Patrick is the CityLaw intern and a New York Law School student, Class of 2022.)