New York City’s US$1.45bn coastal resiliency project finishes first phase

In mid-October, New York City officials gathered to celebrate the completion of phase one of a nearly US$1.5-billion project called the East Side Coastal Resiliency (ESCR) project, which includes utility and infrastructure improvements to waterfront areas and five public parks on the city’s East Side.

Aimed at reducing flood risk due to coastal storms and sea-level rise on Manhattan’s East Side from East 25th Street to Montgomery Street, the project is running through two phases (a northern and southern segment), with phase one completed at an estimated cost of around $165 million.

Work throughout the coastal project area includes installation of flood barriers – including a 2.4 mile (3.8km) long barrier from Montgomery Street to Asser Levy Playground – floodwalls and gates, retrofits for sewer outfall and various park improvements at public spaces along the corridor.

The first floodgate – which weighs about 16 tons and is more than 40-ft long – was installed in early 2022.

“The boundaries of this project correspond with the natural ‘pinch-points’ in the 100-year floodplain,” said the city’s project webpage.

“The project design integrates flood protection into the community fabric, improving waterfront open spaces and access, rather than walling off the neighbourhood.”

It’s estimated the build will better protect more than 110,000 New York residents from future storm events.

Leading the management and construction of the scheme is HNTB/LiRo Joint Venture. HNTB is a Missouri-based infrastructure design and construction firm and LiRo is a management services company based in New York.

The entire flood mitigation improvement system is expected operational at the end of 2026.