A neglected and flood-prone neighbourhood in the Borough of Queens in New York City is getting a $51.8m overhaul to help it cope with worsening rain brought by climate change.
The project will expand the storm sewer system, addressing years of severe flooding in Rosedale, in southeast Queens.
It will add catch basins, and upgrade water mains and storm and sanitary sewers.
It’s a joint effort of New York’s departments of environmental protection (DEP), transportation (DOT), and design and construction (DDC), which is managing the project.
It also aims to improve tap water distribution and rebuild streets.
“Southeast Queens has been incredibly flood prone for generations, all while the city has historically disinvested in these communities, but no more,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr.
He added: “As climate change continues to creep in, investments like these have never been more important.”
Some 1.5 miles of local storm sewers will be upgraded or newly installed, thus extending the drainage network.
92 new catch basins will help to drain roads, while 13 underground storm chambers will boost storm surge capacity.
Around half a mile of sanitary sewers will also be upgraded or newly installed.
Nearly two miles of water mains will be upgraded from six-to-eight-inch cast iron pipes to stronger, eight-to-12-inch ductile iron pipes, which are less prone to breakage.
The project will rebuild roads on 36 city blocks, replace some 4.5 miles of damaged or broken curbs and some 4.5 acres of sidewalks.
140 new trees will also be planted on the streets.
The project is part of a $2.64bn plan to improve roads and alleviate flooding throughout southeast Queens.
The Rosedale project is expected to end in winter 2026.
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