NYC Completes $139M Infrastructure Project in College Point, Queens

The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) and NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) joined local elected officials to celebrate the completion of a $139 million project in College Point, Queens, that covered over 100 individual blocks, upgrading over 6 mi. of water mains and over 8 mi. of sewers to improve stormwater drainage and water service.

The project, which was managed by DDC for DEP and DOT, also upgraded streets with over 24 acres of asphalt and other major improvements.

Map courtesy of the NYC Department of Design and Construction

Map shows area of major infrastructure project in College Point that improves stormwater drainage, water mains and local street conditions

“This major infrastructure brings critical investments to College Point, with upgraded roads and sidewalks that improve accessibility and enhance safety for all,” said NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “We thank the DOT, DEP and DDC teams for their unwavering commitment to get the job done, as well as Councilmember Paladino and Queens Borough President Richards for their staunch support in bringing this project to fruition.”

“This major infrastructure investment will bring peace of mind to College Point residents who for years have dealt with poor street conditions and flooding after rainstorms,” said NYC Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Thomas Foley. “These upgrades will help with stormwater management in the area and mitigate the effects of climate change for local residents. I thank the DDC team, DEP and DOT teams for their hard work, and Councilmember Paladino and Queens Borough President Richards for supporting us through this extensive project.”

Photo courtesy of the NYC Department of Design and Construction

Construction crew upgrading outdated sanitary sewer pipe to 30-in. reinforced concrete pipe.

These infrastructure upgrades were made to enhance quality of life for residents in the College Point area, addressing the longstanding issue of basement flooding caused by a combined sewer system. The project replaced parts of the outdated combined sewer system with nearly 8.5 mi. of new sewers — over 21,000 ft. of storm sewers and over 22,000 ft. of sanitary sewers.

The construction of storm sewers included the installation of seven large storm sewer chambers and a tide gate designed as a barrier to prevent tidal waters from infiltrating the storm sewer system during high tide.

Micro tunneling was used in this project to dig in two locations, eliminating the need for 30-ft.-deep excavations that would have caused noise and other disruptions to the neighborhood.

Seven miles of water mains that were over 50 years old were upgraded to new 8 to 20-in.-wide ductile iron pipes. The project installed 249 new catch basins and upgraded 51 old catch basins. Additionally, 92 fire hydrants were installed, 30 trees were added and over 8,000 sq. ft. of wetlands were restored.

To improve road conditions for pedestrians and riders, over 4.5 acres of sidewalk and 5 mi. of curb were upgraded, and 226 pedestrian ramps were upgraded to meet ADA compliance. The project also upgraded the roads with 24.5 acres of new asphalt.

Photo courtesy of the NYC Department of Design and Construction

Construction of one of the seven storm sewer chambers in College Point.

“The completion of this critically important infrastructure project is a massive win for College Point, which finally has the modern sewer system it has long needed,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “Thank you to our government partners for their work in completing this project, to the families of College Point for their patience and to the members of my office’s College Point Task Force for their advocacy as we work to make this community a better place for all who live here.”

“The College Point sewer project was one of my top priorities since taking office,” said Councilmember Vickie Paladino. “I could see how the people of College Point had suffered under this long-delayed project and I took aggressive action to see its completion. Between weekly phone calls with DDC and regular visits to the site with the contractors, the work began moving faster than it had under any other elected official. I’m proud to be the City Council Member who finally delivered College Point’s roads back to them.”

Photo courtesy of the NYC Department of Design and Construction

This project used micro tunneling technology to install sanitary sewers in College Point, minimizing disruption in the area.

“I am encouraged by what these infrastructure improvements will do to help alleviate significant flooding and other sewer system issues in College Point,” said New Yok State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky. “Our residents have been dealing with the destructive consequences of poor stormwater drainage for too many years. There are still areas in need of remediation and we must not ignore the fact that this is a good start but additional areas must be addressed. While the DDC has assured me that these upgrades will have an immediate and lasting impact on our water mains and street conditions, we must continue to take a proactive approach in combating the growing complications of climate change in our most vulnerable communities.”

“Residents of College Point have lived in fear of the rain for far too long, as even a small shower can flood streets, homes and storefronts,” said New York State Senator John Liu. “These water and sewer upgrades will not just provide needed relief for the area’s persistent flooding problems, but allow for some long-overdue peace of mind. Infrastructure upgrades continue to be a top priority for northeast Queens, and we are grateful to DEP, DDC and DOT for working together to bring sustainability and resiliency to the residents of College Point.”

For more information, visit nyc.gov/ddc.

Photo courtesy of the NYC Department of Design and Construction

A newly paved street in College Point, Queens. The project replaced over 24 acres of asphalt, upgraded over four aces of sidewalk and five miles of curb.