Restoration Of Leeds Pond Culvert Underway: Officials

MANHASSET, NY — Construction on the Leeds Pond Culvert is currently underway, Town of North Hempstead officials announced.

The project is split into two main phases as part of the rehabilitation project. A new culvert will be constructed east of the existing culvert from Leeds Pond to Manhasset Bay under Plandome Road. This culvert will be permanent and provide tidal flow for the pond while the existing culvert undergoes restoration.

Once the new culvert is operational, the existing culvert will be closed using cofferdams to allow for restoration. When restoration is complete on the existing culvert, all cofferdams will be removed to allow both culverts to operate together to service the tidal flow of Leeds Pond to Manhasset Bay.

The project first began in September 2018, when the Town awarded a $1.52 million contract to Woodstock Construction Group for the project. Town officials worked with former State Senator Jack Martins to help secure a $1.5 million grant from New York State, which was awarded to help pay for the project. Final relocations and coordination of utilities were completed this spring, allowing work to begin July 1. The Town is coordinating with Village of Plandome Manor Mayor Barbara Donno to help oversee the project.