New York Construction Report staff writer
In a major effort to combat chronic flooding in Bushwick, New York City has announced a $390 million investment in critical infrastructure upgrades.
The project, which will begin with significant improvements along Knickerbocker Avenue, will replace nearly three miles of sewers, upgrade all catch basins, and improve the water distribution system. Upgrades are expected to reduce the risk of flooding across approximately 2,300 acres.
Construction on the Bushwick infrastructure project is expected to begin in 2029.
Outdated infrastructure will be replaced with a modernized system designed to withstand more extreme weather events. The local sewer system’s capacity will increase by more than 850 percent in select areas, addressing a pressing need in a neighborhood that has suffered from flooding for decades.
The project will also include the replacement of nearly a mile of aging water mains and the replacement of lead service lines at no cost to property owners, ensuring safer drinking water for the community.
The project’s focus is on alleviating flooding on Knickerbocker Avenue, a corridor that has struggled with flooding due to its low-lying geography and outdated infrastructure. The existing sewer system built in the early 1900s, has proven inadequate for handling even moderate rainstorms. With climate change contributing to more intense storms, the city has taken action to prevent further damage and protect residents.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) will also complete a Vision Zero redesign of Knickerbocker Avenue to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. A proposal for the redesign will be shared with the community for review, ensuring that the infrastructure improvements meet the needs of all those who use the street.
“We are working closely with DEP and DDC to take advantage of these infrastructure repairs to deliver Vision Zero upgrades on the street above, making the roadway safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers,” said DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez.
The project marks the largest investment in Bushwick’s stormwater infrastructure in decades.
The infrastructure improvements will also include measures designed to reduce flooding before it even reaches the sewers. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has installed green infrastructure, such as rain gardens, on public properties throughout Bushwick, which will absorb, store, and filter stormwater. Additionally, real-time FloodNet sensors have been placed along Knickerbocker Avenue to provide up-to-the-minute flooding information, enabling quick response times to mitigate damage.
