You might want to check the traffic for construction during your morning commute.
Some much needed work has already begun throughout the borough, as the NYC Department of Design and Construction set a schedule to repair and replace damaged NYC Department of Environmental Protection manhole hardware. the NYC Department of Design and Construction has set a schedule to repair and replace damaged NYC Department of Environmental Protection manhole hardware.
The project started on Tuesday, April 17, with contractors expecting to make necessary adjustments to 145 DEP manholes in community boards one through seven and Community Board 9.
These affected neighborhoods include Norwood, Fordham, Belmont, Foxhurst, Hunts Point, Concourse, Claremont, Port Morris, Highbridge, Mott Haven, Tremont, Soundview, Castle Hill, and Clason Point.
DDC expects this project to be completed by Monday, April 30, depending on the weather.
“It’s a significant investment to bring better street conditions to the borough,” said a DDC spokesperson.
While there is no set schedule for which locations will see repairs, they will likely be made starting in the southern parts of the area and work northbound, according, the spokesperson said.
The workers are examining each manhole for cracks and wear and tear. They are also reinstalling some that are uneven with the roadway.
This project is part of the larger Project #HDWR17X, an operation to repair and replace all the manhole hardware through the entire borough, a process which was estimated to be completed in the fall of 2018.
There already exists a large number of construction projects ongoing in these areas due to old or failing infrastructure, causing heavier than usual traffic.
The DDC pledged to work with the community on all changes to existing traffic and transit patterns.
“It’s about time,” said CB 7 chair, Adaline Walker-Santiago. “It’s wonderful that the city is stepping up to the plate and doing something residents and visitors benefit from.”
The DDC also sent out an advisory warning residents of potential interruptions to water service, as manholes connect sewer lines and water lines.
“Damaged manholes could be a safety issue,” continued Walker-Santiago. “Maybe they will find more things to fix during their work.”
Many of the eight initial community boards said their communication between their community’s residents, the DDC, and the NYC Department of Transportation has not changed and they will continue to work with all parties through the completion of the project.
“People don’t have problems with the city making repairs,” said William Rivera, district manager of Community Board 9. “They will have a problem with the traffic.”
The DDC mentioned that not all the repairs and replacements require extensive work.
For some of the locations, the manhole hardware may only need minor adjustments or repairs.
“It’s work that needs to be done and the community will appreciate it afterward,” said Cedric Loftin, the district manager of CB 1.
Any disruptions made to public transit will be posted in advance, according to the DDC community advisory notice.
As there will be limited access to some driveways and certain streets or even parts of streets, both commercial and residential, the DDC asked those with special needs or abilities to contact their resident engineer so as to make daily commute as convenient as possible.
To contact the DDC or for more information or for questions about the project, visit www.nyc.gov/
