Beach 108th Street Improvement

A Pedestrian Streetscape Revitalization for the Rockaway West Community

New bike lanes in the median separate bicyclists from pedestrians and vehicular traffic.

Beach 108th Street’s new bike lanes and parking illuminated by the streetlamps.

ADA-compliant curb extensions help to shorten crossing times.

New ADA-compliant crosswalks were installed at all intersections.

Scooter-riders using one of the new crosswalks on their way to the beach.

Porous pavement installation used during construction.

Client: New York City Department of Design and Construction
Owner: New York City
Location: New York, NY
Services: Engineering

Markets: Transportation, Risk, Response, Recovery, and Resilience
Cost: $16.6 million
Completed: 2022
Region: Northeast

Beach 108^th Street in New York City is part of a strategy to strengthen and promote a more resilient Rockaway West economy. Strengthening the community’s resilience was first proposed in New York City’s comprehensive climate resiliency plan A Stronger, More Resilient New York, and further developed by the Rockaway West New York Rising Community Reconstruction (NYRCR) planning committee.

Homes and businesses were destroyed during Superstorm Sandy in the surrounding area. Our team sought to implement solutions that improve sustainability and resilience while also providing a safe environment.

The project consisted of realigning roadway geometry to improve safety, a dedicated bike path in the center median, widened sidewalks, additional safe parking, and improved lighting for vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Additionally, stormwater drainage improvements were made that create green streets and address ongoing ponding that occurred at several intersections by capturing stormwater runoff. Our team used porous pavement along curb lines throughout the project corridor as an innovative solution to reduce stormwater flow into the city sewer system. This was the New York City Department of Design and Construction’s first use of porous pavement.

Improving the streetscape has intrinsic benefits by upgrading the pedestrian experience within the corridor and contributing to a unique sense of place for the beachgoing experience. To improve operations and safety, bike lanes were moved from the street to the median, thereby separating bicyclists from pedestrians, curbs were extended to reduce crosswalk lengths, and ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps were installed.

New lampposts built on Flatbush Avenue improve visibility and safety. Each lamppost includes a concrete pedestal, making them resilient to future flooding events. Highly efficient LED streetlights were also installed with a resilient means of backup power. Non-grid light sources facilitate a variety of recovery and relief efforts, as well as support public safety. New well-lit sidewalks in both directions enhance pedestrian connectivity between the ferry landing, the boardwalk, and the beach front.

The design created a more inviting and vibrant streetscape for visitors, residents, and adjacent businesses through new amenities and the landscape. The economic viability of the area has already increased and will continue to improve. With the streetscape completed, Beach 108th Street has seen an increase in vacationers and tourists, particularly with the Rockaway Rocket ferry now in service from Wall Street.

$40 billion

in damage to the state of New York from Superstorm Sandy

1.3 million

gallons of stormwater estimated to be absorbed each year due to new porous pavement, reducing flooding

11,000+

square feet of new permeable concrete slabs