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Installing the gas pipe under William Street
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In a city full of cranes and scaffolding constantly catering to skyscrapers, it's easy to overlook the construction just under our feet. But more building and rebuilding is happening beneath Manhattan's streets than most people realize. From subways to steam to sewers, the city would not survive without its elaborate underground network, and it all needs perpetual care and attention.
A stroll through the Financial District reveals one of the latest underground efforts designed to keep Lower Manhattan running smoothly: the Wall Street water main project. For several months, the Department of Design and Construction has been replacing the century-old water mains under nearly every street south of Fulton and east of Broadway. Currently underway -- and making steady progress -- are water main reconstructions along William and Cedar Streets.
For a few months now, the projects have required street closures throughout the area -- a necessary element in underground rebuilding. According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), traffic revisions are only a temporary sacrifice for the benefits of better service and long-term reliability.
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| Construction workers on Wall Street |
"We are coordinating the utility work so that the streets don't have to repeatedly be reopened for small repairs every year," said Andrew Salkin, the DOT's Lower Manhattan Borough Commissioner. "The important thing is that not only are residents and businesses getting new conduits for their water, electric, gas and other utilities, they're getting new streets and sidewalks too."
Judlau Contracting is in charge of executing the William Street water main project, and is one of several companies contributing to the reconstruction of underground utilities. Others, such as Con Edison and Verizon, make a point of upgrading their cables and mains while the street is open, helping to minimize street disruptions.
The DOT, which assigns construction and traffic revision permits, ensures that noise is also kept to daylight and early evening hours, even though construction crews typically work 24 hours a day no matter the weather.
Keeping neighborhood residents and business owners happy, however, sometimes takes extra effort. Some people voice complaints about noise and traffic caused by construction, but Frank Petito, a downtown field supervisor for Judlau, noted that most often he simply answers questions.
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| The water main under Cedar Street |
"People want to know what's going on, so if someone's upset or just interested in what we're doing, I'll show them the nearest worksite and explain what's happening and why," he said. "They usually walk away with more understanding that in the long run, this work will benefit them."
The Wall Street area water main is one of two major reconstruction projects currently underway below Houston Street. The other is taking place along Canal Street from Essex to Hudson and will continue through the end of the year.
Visit the "Alerts" section of this Web site for more information about street construction and closures, or visit the Department of Design and Construction online.
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