KS Engineers, P.C. (KSE) is providing comprehensive Resident Engineering Inspection (REI) services for the New York City Department of Design and Construction (NYCDDC) for the reconstruction of critical underground infrastructure and roadway improvements along Foch Boulevard and Ilion Avenue in Queens, New York. KSE’s responsibilities include construction inspection, resident engineering, quality assurance and quality control, contractor coordination, utility coordination, schedule monitoring, documentation, maintenance and protection of traffic oversight, and verification that all work complies with contract documents, applicable codes, and NYCDDC standards. Throughout construction, KSE serves as the owner’s on-site representative, coordinating with contractors, utility companies, City agencies, and community stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of this complex infrastructure improvement project.
The project was undertaken to modernize aging underground utility systems, improve roadway safety, enhance stormwater management, and upgrade neighborhood infrastructure within Community Board 12, a predominantly residential area of southeastern Queens. The work encompasses Foch Boulevard between 166th Street and Merrick Boulevard and Ilion Avenue between Wood Street and Farmers Boulevard, providing significant improvements to the area’s water distribution, sanitary sewer, storm drainage, and streetscape systems while incorporating sustainable infrastructure features.
Major underground utility improvements include reconstruction of storm sewers, sanitary sewers, and distribution water mains throughout the project limits. New distribution water mains ranging from 6 inches to 12 inches in diameter are being installed along Foch Boulevard to improve water service reliability and distribution capacity. Stormwater infrastructure includes new reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) storm sewers ranging from 24 inches to 36 inches in diameter, together with 15-inch and 18-inch ESVP storm sewer piping, new catch basins, chute connections, and related drainage appurtenances designed to improve stormwater collection and reduce localized flooding. The sanitary sewer improvements include installation of new 10-inch ESVP sanitary sewer mains to strengthen the area’s wastewater collection system and enhance long-term system performance.
A major component of the project is the reconstruction of the Foch Boulevard median and replacement of existing concrete curbs with new NYCDDC-standard concrete curb throughout the corridor. Roadway safety improvements are complemented by installation of porous pavement, an environmentally sustainable feature that promotes groundwater infiltration, reduces stormwater runoff, improves water quality, and supports New York City’s broader resiliency and green infrastructure initiatives.
Throughout construction, KSE has coordinated complex utility installations, staged traffic operations, and public access requirements while maintaining rigorous quality control and minimizing impacts to nearby residents and businesses. The completed project will provide modern, resilient underground infrastructure, improved roadway safety, enhanced drainage, and sustainable stormwater management that will benefit the surrounding community for decades to come.
The project’s engineering innovation, commitment to sustainable infrastructure, and successful delivery were recognized with two prestigious industry honors: the American Council of Engineering Companies of New Jersey (ACEC NJ) Award for Engineering Excellence and the American Council of Engineering Companies of New York (ACEC NY) Diamond Award for Engineering Excellence.
#2270
