Update: Construction Along Nostrand Avenue

As most Bed-Stuy residents have noted over the last four months, The Nostrand Avenue Project now is in full swing.

The project, which started late summer 2012, is a massive (and long overdue) overhaul of Nostrand Avenue led by the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC).

So what has been accomplished so far?

Work, which began at Flushing to Halsey Street along Nostrand Ave in the northern edge of Bed-Stuy, was completed for the November/ December 2012 timeline.

That work included the removal of trolley tracks; a saw-cut of the roadway; and the cleaning and shotcrete of sewers.

Perhaps you’ve noticed that the areas that have been re-paved are still quite bumpy, presenting a challenge for drivers. That is because the initial work involved the excavation of old pipes and trolley tracks before the real work could begin.

There will be a final re-paving once workers moved closer to the project’s completion, according to DDC spokesman Craig Chin.

“This section of asphalt has been paved temporarily,” Chin told Bed-Stuy Patch. “The bumps are a result of the deficiency in the roadbed which is a problem this project will address.

“The final restoration is expected to be completed in the middle of 2014.”

And have there been any advances, setbacks or changes?

Well, for one, according to the DDC’s reconstruction newsletter, the fall 2014 timeline for completion has been moved forward to spring of 2014. But according to Chin, aside from that, there have been no unforeseen conditions at this time.

“We are working to complete the project on time and provide the residents with a new roadway and underground infrastructure along with a new Bus Rapid Transit corridor,” he said.

Work scheduled to be completed for the January/ February 2013 timeline will cover the area of Nostrand Avenue, from Halsey Street to Atlantic Avenue and includes the removal of trolley tracks; a saw-cut of the roadway; and the cleaning, shotcrete of sewers and the installation of water mains and catch basins.

Again, other planned features for the completed project in spring 2014 include:

• The installation of ten new bus stops; two new Select Bus Service stops will be installed at the northwest corners of Herkimer Street and Kosciuszko Street
• The installation of traffic calming measures, which are medians that extend into the crosswalks to help avoid accidents between motorists, buses, bikes and pedestrians
• The installation of bioswales, which are tree pits that facilitate the flow of storm water from the street into catch basins for plants and trees

General construction hours are Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

If you live along Nostrand Avenue or one of the side streets and you have questions concerning mobility for special needs residents, rodent control, water stoppage or damage to your property, you can contact Ian Thornell, DDC’s community construction liaison for the Nostrand Avenue Project.

Also, DDC-sponsored newsletters with updates on the project can be found at the monthly Community Board 3 meetings, held the first Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m., Restoration Plaza, 1368 Fulton Street.

*See video of construction, taken Wednesday, January 30, 2013 (Warning: shaky camera, due to extremely bumpy streets)*