New York Construction Report staff writer
One of the most visited sections of the High Line park in Manhattan has closed for a full-scale reconstruction project that will run through late August.
The 10th Avenue Square, located between 16th and 17th streets, officially closed to the public July 7 for structural and landscape improvements. The adjacent Sunken Overlook, a stepped seating area with views over 10th Avenue, is also closed to ensure visitor safety during construction.
The project addresses wear and tear from 16 years of heavy public use and prepares the space for long-term sustainability. Upgrades include replacement of aging structural framing with glulam beams, reinstallation and supplementation of the original decking with reclaimed teak, and installation of an automated drip irrigation system to reduce manual watering.
Trident maples will be planted this fall to replace the original maple grove, which had outgrown its planters. The new trees were selected for their resilience and suitability to the park’s shallow soil beds and exposed conditions.
The 1.5-mile-long High Line is built atop a former elevated rail line and is operated by the nonprofit Friends of the High Line. The park draws more than six million visitors annually and requires continuous capital investment to maintain safety and functionality.
The closure affects access between 16th and 18th streets. Temporary detours are in place, with alternate stair and elevator entry points available at 14th, 16th, 18th, and 23rd streets. Food vendors at Chelsea Market Passage remain open.
The 10th Avenue Square is expected to reopen in late August.
