New York Construction Report staff writer
A $16.6 million infrastructure project rebuilt Beach 108th Street in Rockaway, Queens from Beach Channel Drive to Shore Front Parkway with porous pavement to address flooding.
A key feature of the reconstruction project is the new porous pavement that will allow about 1.3 million gallons of stormwater to be absorbed into the ground each year, which will ease pressure on the sewer system, help to reduce flooding and improve the health of Jamaica Bay.
“By including porous pavement in this reconstruction of Beach 108th Street, we are keeping more than a million gallons of stormwater out of the sewers each year which will reduce localized flooding and help protect the health of Jamaica Bay,” said NYC Chief Climate Officer and DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “DEP’s stormwater regulations require new developments to manage the rain and snow that falls on them with Green Infrastructure, and we’ll be seeing much more of these types of projects in the coming years.”
The project helped rebuild an area damaged by Superstorm Sandy and its size triggered DEP stormwater regulations that require the use of Green Infrastructure. More than 11,000 square feet of new permeable concrete slabs that allow for natural stormwater drainage through the concrete and into the ground below have been installed along the curbline. Under DEP’s Unified Stormwater Rule, which took effect in 2022, the use of Green Infrastructure will be required in projects similar to this one citywide.
Under the project, which launched construction in March 2021, approximately 1,100 feet of existing storm sewers and 22 catch basins were repaired or replaced and an additional 140 feet of new storm sewers plus three new catch basins were added. More than a mile of old concrete curbs were replaced along with adjacent sidewalks and more than 18,000 square yards of asphalt were laid down to pave the area. About 6,000 feet of old water mains were also replaced and two new fire hydrants were added.
“This $16.6 million project brings safer streets and innovative new stormwater management techniques such as porous concrete that absorbs water to a coastal area that was greatly affected by Superstorm Sandy,” said NYC Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Thomas Foley. “DDC is working with DEP and DOT to transform the City’s streetscape in every borough for safety and also resiliency. We will look to expand these methods to other neighborhoods as we manage the greater demands placed on us by climate change.”
In addition, a new 1,600-foot-long median was installed in the center of Beach 108th Street with a new two-way, grade-separated bike path, 58 new trees and new benches. The addition of angled parking added over 20 new parking spots to the community as well. The new design also delivered new and widened sidewalks, new crosswalks, and curb extensions at crossings and the local bus stop.
The new two-way bike path for the first time provides dedicated cycling connections between the ferry terminal and boardwalk. And wider sidewalks and new curb extensions improve pedestrian access and shorten crossing distances. New left turn phases were also installed to improve safety and traffic flow.
“The stormwater drainage, pedestrian and roadway improvements to the Beach 108th Street corridor are examples of the Adams Administration’s commitment to making the city more resilient and sustainable for all New Yorkers,” said Victoria Cerullo, Acting Executive Director, Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice. “These enhancements will address flooding, provide better and safer connectivity for Rockaway communities to and from the ferry, and offer safer and easier cycling.”
The project was initially conceived through a community-informed process sponsored by the State’s NY Rising Program. It was made possible through a City/State partnership between MOCEJ, DOT, DEP, DDC and the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery, all working together to make the city more resilient and sustainable.
“The people of Rockaway have been waiting a long time for this day,” Councilwoman Joann Ariola said. “At long last, we will finally have a safe, steady, and efficient flow of traffic here, and the area is now more resilient than ever before. Thank you to our partners at the DDC, DOT and everyone else who helped to make this happen.”
