New York Construction Report staff writer
The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) has completed a $2.25 million capital project that replaced more than a mile of old water mains in Maspeth, Queens, and was completed more than a year ahead of schedule and more than 44 percent under its original $4 million anticipated cost.
“New York City is adapting to the realities of climate change in real time and improving quality of life for New Yorkers in every corner of the city,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Thank you to the DDC and DEP teams for making the most of our taxpayer dollars and getting this done for the community.”
More than a mile of old water mains were replaced in a project completed more than a year ahead of schedule and 44 percent under budget.
“Getting high-quality water to every tap across the five boroughs requires regular investments in our infrastructure and by replacing the water mains that had served this neighborhood for a century, we significantly reduce the risk of leaks and breaks,” said DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “Thank you to the DDC team that brought this project in under budget and ahead of schedule, which reduces any disruption to the residents and businesses in the area.”
In order to improve water supply reliability, 5,960 feet of older water mains, many of which had been in service for 100 years, were replaced with new concrete-lined ductile iron pipes that are less vulnerable to leaks. The new mains range from 6 to 12 inches in diameter and in some areas replace smaller mains. Additionally, 19 old fire hydrants were replaced with new ones and 1,380 square feet of broken sidewalks were replaced throughout the project area.
“This water main upgrade was accomplished quickly and efficiently thanks to the in-house DDC team which managed it,” said NYC Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Thomas Foley. “That means money saved for taxpayers and less disruption for the community while we improve local water service – a win for everyone involved. Congratulations to the DDC project team.”
The project, which was managed by DDC’s in-house construction management team, was launched in July 2022 and was originally projected to take until June 2024 to complete. Instead it was completed this month. The team only used about 56 percent of the original budget.
“The completion of the water mains project in Maspeth by the DEP and DDC, a year ahead of schedule and under budget, is remarkable. Investing in local infrastructure is crucial for the community’s well-being, and I applaud to city’s efforts in completing the project swiftly, without a major inconvenience to residents,” said council member Robert Holden.
