Photo courtesy of NYC Department of Design and Construction
Micro-tunneling techniques eliminated the need for disruptive open trench construction through a residential neighborhood. Here a crane prepares to lower segments of the new 96-in. diameter sewer down a shaft so they can be installed in the new tunnel below the street.
The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) announced the completion of a $106 million infrastructure project in Maspeth, Queens that is the second of three that are creating a new drainage network through central Queens.
The project also upgraded over a mile of water mains and replaced smaller, local combined and sanitary sewers. DDC managed the project for DEP and DOT, and successfully used micro-tunneling technology throughout large parts of it to minimize construction impacts during work.
The project is the second in a series of three that is creating a major new drainage network through central Queens, and connects at several points to work that was previously completed by DDC in parts of 69th Street and Calamus Avenue in Middle Village. That earlier $19.5 million project, which installed 2,600 ft. of new sewer using open trench construction, created excessive noise and disruptions for local residents and was halted early, with the remaining work moved to the recently completed project so that micro-tunneling could be employed.
The third project currently is being designed in-house at DDC and is expected to start construction in mid-2026 with an estimated budget of roughly $80 million. That project will connect with the recently completed work at the Long Island Expressway and extend the new drainage system south to roughly Juniper Boulevard South.
Photo courtesy of NYC Department of Design and Construction
Crews used micro-tunneling to install the new sewer under Queens Boulevard, reducing construction time at the location by months. A future infrastructure project will connect with the southern end of the project under the Long Island Expressway.
"This $106 million project is part of DEP's commitment to building a new drainage network through Central Queens, which will alleviate the flooding caused by extreme weather," said DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. "We will continue to partner with DDC and DOT to invest in infrastructure upgrades that create more resilient communities, allowing us to better manage stormwater and protect our residents from climate change."
"When the first project in this important new drainage system proved too disruptive to the community, DDC stopped work, changed its approach and used micro-tunneling instead, including in a very sensitive and busy area where crews tunneled under Queens Boulevard," said NYC Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Thomas Foley. "With projects like these, plus the massive Southeast Queens Initiative, DDC, DEP and DOT are investing billions of dollars in Queens drainage and street upgrades."
Overall, the project installed about 3,625 ft. of new 96-in. diameter combined sewer plus about 900 ft. of new box sewers up to 12 ft. by 8 ft. and about 300 ft. of 84-in. HOBAS sewers. Additionally, approximately 1,300 ft. of combined sewer were replaced. About 5,500 ft. of water mains up to 90 years old were replaced with new ductile iron pipes, a more durable material.
One location where micro-tunneling was particularly effective is where the new sewer crosses under Queens Boulevard. Engineers estimated it would have taken months and many pedestrian and traffic disruptions to relocate underground utilities that are already in the street and then install the new sewer. Instead, micro-tunneling reduced construction time at the Queens Boulevard location from several months to roughly one week.
Photo courtesy of NYC Department of Design and Construction
A segment of the new 96-in. diameter sewer is seen at the bottom of a construction shaft before it's put in place inside the new tunnel.
Local catch basins and fire hydrants were upgraded and nearly 1.5 mi. of local curbs were replaced along with sidewalks in many areas. The project also upgraded 47 pedestrian ramps to be ADA-compliant, and added 18 trees and a bike lane in the area.
"The need to upgrade our sewer infrastructure is more pressing than ever," said Councilmember Robert F. Holden. "Thanks to the city for completing the second phase of this massive sewer project, and I look forward to the third and final phase being completed in the coming years to finally give residents some relief."
Photo courtesy of NYC Department of Design and Construction
Crew lifting micro-tunneling machine that allowed for less disruption to residents in Maspeth during construction.
"The families of Maspeth deserve to live free from flooding every time it rains, and this critical project will go a long way toward protecting homes and businesses across this community," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. "Thank you to our partners at DDC for getting this work done in a way that was as least disruptive to area residents as possible, and I look forward to completing the third and final phase of this project in the years to come."
"I am happy to see the completion of this infrastructure project here in Maspeth," said Assemblymember Steven Raga. "It is incredibly important that our city's design meets the needs of residents, and this new drainage system and additional upgrades will better serve Queens residents. I appreciate DDC responsiveness to community concerns throughout the installation of this new system and look forward to the completion the third and final project in near future."
Photo courtesy of NYC Department of Design and Construction
DDC, DEP and elected officials celebrated the completion of the $106 million project in Maspeth, Queens, on Oct. 4, 2024.
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