KS Engineers, P.C. (KSE) provided comprehensive Resident Engineering Inspection (REI) services for the New York City Department of Design and Construction (NYCDDC) for the Empire Boulevard Infrastructure and Streetscape Improvements project in Brooklyn, New York. Serving as the owner’s on-site representative throughout construction, KSE was responsible for resident engineering, construction inspection, quality assurance and quality control, contractor coordination, utility coordination, maintenance and protection of traffic oversight, schedule monitoring, documentation, and field engineering support. KSE worked closely with NYCDDC, utility companies, local businesses, residents, emergency services, and the contractor to ensure that construction progressed safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with contract documents while minimizing disruptions within this densely developed urban corridor.
The project modernized critical underground infrastructure while transforming Empire Boulevard into a safer, more sustainable, and pedestrian-oriented transportation corridor serving a vibrant mix of residential, commercial, institutional, and community facilities. Major underground improvements included installation of new sanitary and storm sewer systems consisting of 10-inch, 12-inch, and 15-inch ESVP sanitary sewers and storm sewers ranging from 24 inches to 54 inches in diameter. New 8-inch through 20-inch ductile iron distribution water mains were also installed to improve water system reliability and increase capacity throughout the project area. Together, these infrastructure improvements significantly enhanced drainage performance, reduced localized flooding, and strengthened the long-term resiliency of the neighborhood’s underground utility network.
The project also included comprehensive streetscape and roadway enhancements designed to improve safety, accessibility, and the overall public environment. New granite curbs, sidewalks, ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps, decorative brick pavers, bus pads, fare collection machine foundations, Martello bollards, neckdowns, wayfinding signage, pavement markings, street lighting, traffic signals, and roadway reconstruction created a more attractive and functional corridor for motorists, transit users, cyclists, and pedestrians. Expanded Green Street triangles, extensive landscaping, and new tree plantings enhanced stormwater management, improved air quality, and introduced additional green infrastructure into the community.
A key element of the project involved construction of new reinforced concrete sewer chambers at the intersections of Empire Boulevard with Franklin Avenue and Washington Avenue. These structures replaced deteriorated brick sewers with larger-capacity reinforced concrete systems that substantially increased stormwater conveyance and reduced flood risks during major rainfall events. During construction, KSE also identified a significant elevation difference between a new sidewalk and an adjacent commercial property. Working collaboratively with NYCDDC, KSE designed an ornamental retaining wall and pedestrian railing that safely accommodated the grade change while enhancing the appearance of the streetscape.
Through proactive field coordination, technical problem-solving, and rigorous construction oversight, KSE helped deliver a resilient, sustainable, and aesthetically enhanced urban infrastructure project that will serve the Brooklyn community for decades.
The project’s exceptional engineering, sustainable infrastructure improvements, and successful delivery were recognized with the American Council of Engineering Companies of New Jersey (ACEC NJ) Award for Engineering Excellence.
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