First Phase Of Vanderbilt Motor Parkway Reconstruction Complete

OAKLAND GARDENS, QUEENS — One of the country's first paved roads has undergone quite a transformation as part of a multimillion-dollar reconstruction project.

New York City leaders recently cut the ribbon on the first phase of reconstruction of the Vanderbilt Motor Parkway in Alley Pond Park.

Originally built in 1908 as a racecourse by the railroad mogul and financier William K. Vanderbilt, Jr., the popular bike and pedestrian walkway now features about a mile of new asphalt, rustic fencing, and new benches.

“The Vanderbilt Motor Parkway is both a recreational asset and a living piece of New York City history – and now this bike and pedestrian path has received the makeover it deserves,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Gabrielle Fialkoff.

According to Council Member Barry S. Grodenchik, the Vanderbilt Long Island Motor Parkway had not been repaved in decades and was in desperate need of an upgrade.

“My advocacy for this project was driven by the frequent requests I received from local residents for whom the path provides a clean, safe, quiet place for exercise and recreation; the ongoing pandemic only reinforces the importance of access to outdoor public space. I thank the mayor for providing the funding that will allow the remainder of the path to be resurfaced and the parks department for doing a magnificent job on the first stretch," Grodenchik said in a news release.

The reconstruction project was funded with $1.85 million total, including $1.435 million from Council Member Grodenchik and an additional $415,000 from Mayor de Blasio.

This project is the first phase of work that includes the reconstruction of 0.8 miles of the Vanderbilt Motor Parkway from Winchester Boulevard by the entrance to Alley Pond Park to Springfield Boulevard.

The scope of work includes new asphalt pavement, new rustic timber guide rail, benches, trees and shrub plantings. A second phase of renovations, funded by Mayor de Blasio with $3.685 million will address the additional two miles of parkway, from Springfield Boulevard to 199th Street. Construction is expected to begin next year.