The New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) is continuing itscapital reconstruction of the Houston Street corridor. The first phase rebuilt the major cross-town thoroughfare from West Street to Bowery (contract no. HWM-738), from 2005 to 2009.
The next and final phase rebuilds East Houston Street between Bowery and the FDR Drive (contract no. HWMP2019). Work began on East Houston in early fall 2010 and is expected to be completed in summer 2014. Upon completion of this project, the entire length of Houston Street -- from West Street to the FDR Drive -- will have been reconstructed. This means decades-old underground utilities and restoring the heavily trafficked roadway will have been replaced, and the corridor rebuilt with new street lighting, traffic signals, hydrants, pedestrian ramps, and landscaping (including many new trees).
To improve safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists along East Houston Street, DDC will be installing a number of traffic-calming measures. One significant measure is the neck-down. A neck-down is an extension of the curb that shortens the crosswalk distance while at the same time requiring motorists to reduce their speed to turn onto a sidestreet. In addition to the neck-downs, medians will be extended into the crosswalk creating a visible traffic-calming measure and safe refuge area for pedestrians. Other improvements include:
High Visibility Crosswalks: Installation of pavement markings to alert motorists/bicyclists of pedestrian cross walk.
Dedicated Bicycle Lanes and Bike Racks: The lanes will create a safer environment for bicyclists by calming traffic; while the bike racks will encourage bicycle use by providing users a safe storage option
Bus Pads/Stop: Installation of designated area for the pick up / drop off of bus riders.
Medians: Mall/planters dividing westbound and eastbound travel lanes.
Drainage Improvements: Installation of additional catch basins and adjustment of grade to eliminate ponding / flooding.
Street Lighting: New lights will enhance safety for all roadway users.
Urban Design and Streetscape: Tinted concrete sidewalks and street tree planting.
Maintaining a Safe and Clean Work Zone
The DDC is committed to maintaining a work site that is safe and clean. However, dust, noise and heavy equipment are common elements of construction. There may be limited street access on certain blocks. However, deliveries to commercial and residential properties and emergency vehicle access will be allowed. In addition, the DDC will be baiting the construction zone on a regular basis to control rodent populations.
Student Pick-Up/Drop Off
Where construction impacts school pick-up and drop-off zones at area schools (NEST+M, PS 196, Bard High School, PS 020), the DDC will coordinate with school officials and the Department of Education to ensure these locations are safe, clearly marked, and maintained.
Pedestrian/Traffic
Pedestrian access to buildings will be maintained at all times.
Street closures/Traffic Detours partial closures and/or limited access of intersections and streets. Signs will be posted.
Vehicularaccess may be restricted on certain streets in certain locations.
Parking will be temporarily restricted so construction may proceed. Signs will be posted where applicable.
Driveway/loading dock access may be temporarily restricted.
Public Transportation
Temporary Bus Stop Relocation where necessary, bus routes may be relocated and/or detoured.
Water-main and other utility work on E. Houston St. from Bowery to the FDR Drive. Work areas at Bowery, Allen, Pitt, Essex, Norfolk, Columbia, and other intersections.
Utility and median reconstruction active east of Essex Street. Parking restrictions and traffic shifts in effect.
Water service interruptions will be preceded by DDC community and resident notification
Typical work hours will be Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Day time, weekend work may be scheduled if necessary. (Any change or modifications to work hours will be given in advance).
Along East Houston Street, the DDC will be enhancing the malls to complement the Greenstreets elements constructed on the West Houston Street segment. In addition, two new Greenstreets will be created, replacing existing travel lanes. The new Greenstreets at Avenue A and Avenue D will not only have shade trees, flowering trees, shrubs, and groundcover, but also will have park benches and decorative lighting. (For more information on Greenstreets, please visit www.nycgovparks.org).
Houston Street is one of Manhattans busiest crosstown roadways and houses essential utilities beneath its surface. With its capital reconstruction come many necessary upgrades that will keep residents and businesses functioning with new, reliable utility services -- from water and sewer mains to electricity and telecommunications. Other elements of the project include removal of abandoned trolley tracks; installation of new catch basins, curbs, sidewalks, and fire hydrants; and rebuilt medians with new traffic signals and street lighting.
The completed roadway will be home to new and restored utilities, technology, and landscaping, as well as more than 42,000 square yards of smooth, new asphalt.
The New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) has assigned a community construction liaison (CCL) to work as an extension of DDC’s office of Community Outreach and Notification. The CCL is available on site to directly address the community’s concerns and can also be reached by telephone at (212) 337-3594.
Additionally, the city is making every effort to minimize dust, noise, and service interruptions (such as sanitation pick up, water, and other utilities) and will provide at least one day’s advance notice to the community when such interruptions are necessary. Site safety, ADA accessibility, traffic and parking enforcement, rodent abatement, and building access are also a priority for project crews.
Community notification, on-street flaggers, temporary ramps and roadway restorations, noise-reducing measures, and low-emission equipment will be used throughout the project, along with worksite and detour signs and bus-stop relocation notices.
Click here for answers to commonly asked construction questions.
Click here for answers to commonly asked construction questions.
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