New York City officials have announced the completion of a $16.6 million infrastructure project that rebuilt Beach 108th Street with the inclusion of porous pavement.
The porous pavement could help absorb nearly 1.3 million gallons of stormwater each year, easing pressure on the city’s sewer system and reducing flood risk. The reconstruction also included a redesign that improves traffics safety, better accommodating pedestrian and cycling traffic.
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 the Department of Environmental Protection's (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.
“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.”
“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.”
Under the project, which began 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.
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.
