MED598B

Vision & Concept

The vision behind this project was to future-proof Manhattan’s rapidly developing West Side by upgrading critical underground infrastructure to meet the area’s growing demand. As the Hudson Yards district and surrounding neighborhoods continue to evolve into vibrant mixed-use corridors, the need for resilient water and sewer systems, safer streetscapes, and ADA-compliant design became urgent priorities.

Working under NYCEDC and in coordination with NYCDEP, the project aimed to modernize aging infrastructure while minimizing disruption to the community. The concept centered around delivering essential services with precision and care — ensuring that public utilities, accessibility, and safety kept pace with the district’s economic and population growth.

Design & Construction

Spanning multiple city blocks across Community Board 4 — from West 30th Street to West 14th Street — this $40M capital project involved the installation of over 11,000 linear feet of new water mains, including both trunk and distribution lines ranging from 20" to 48" in diameter. The scope also included comprehensive sewer upgrades, the addition of new catch basins and fire hydrants, and reconstruction of sidewalks and curbs to meet ADA standards.

SRE Engineering served as a subconsultant, supporting the project through on-site construction inspection and ongoing community outreach. Our role included utility coordination with multiple city agencies, daily field reporting, and ensuring contractor compliance with NYCDEP and NYCEDC safety, quality, and environmental standards. Throughout construction, we helped facilitate communication between stakeholders, local businesses, and residents — ensuring that work progressed efficiently with minimal disruption to the surrounding community.

Final Outcome

The successful delivery of this $40M infrastructure upgrade has significantly improved service reliability, drainage capacity, and public safety across a key stretch of Manhattan’s West Side. With over 11,000 linear feet of new water mains and upgraded sewer lines now in place, the project has fortified the district’s underground utility network to support continued residential, commercial, and transit-oriented growth.

ADA-compliant sidewalk and curb reconstruction ensures greater accessibility for all pedestrians, while new catch basins and fire hydrants enhance public health and emergency response capabilities. Through close coordination with city agencies and the community, the project minimized disruption and upheld high standards of safety and quality throughout.