The City's Sewer System Construction Is on Track
Since The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) construction crews started infrastructure work on the streets around Einstein late last year, the $22 million city project to replace old sewer pipes beneath the streets that define the boundaries of our campus has impacted everyday life at Einstein.
The project involves sewer pipes under the streets along Morris Park Avenue and Eastchester Road.
Sure, there are inconveniences. It’s not as easy to get to or around campus, and you may need to leave 10 minutes earlier to make it to work or class on time. Crossing the streets can be a challenge, with favorite shortcuts eliminated. And with bus stops moved and altered traffic patterns, everyone’s patience can evaporate quicker than a puddle in a Texas heatwave.
DEP has reported that the project is currently on schedule. In addition, Con Edison is conducting a three-month project to install/relocate new manholes and electrical facilities along Morris Park Ave. and Eastchester Rd. This work will be conducted along Eastchester Road and Morris Park Ave. at night, however, things in and around the campus are expected to remain as they currently are.
When the construction is completed in fall 2018, the Bronx community is going to receive several benefits.
Gains from the Pain
So, what are they, you wonder? The goal of the project is to upgrade the outdated sewer system in Morris Park. Currently, every time there’s a heavy rainstorm, the old sewer pipes beneath Eastchester Road and Morris Park Avenue become overloaded with storm water, and sewage is dumped into Bronx waterways. The new pipes will prevent 400 million gallons of sewage from flowing into Bronx rivers and creeks each year. That means cleaner water for our Bronx community.
And, if you’re worried about water being shut down at the Eastchester Road residence halls, don’t be. DEP has indicated that there are no more scheduled water shut downs.
Stay Safe in the Meantime
Traffic officers from the NYPD help to assure safe crossing along Eastchester Road.Until the crews have completed their work and restored the area, please consider the following:
- First and foremost, be street smart. Take care when crossing Eastchester Road at the corner of Morris Park Avenue or at the temporary crosswalk at Loomis Street—especially at night. While there are friendly (and sometimes dancing) traffic control officers directing vehicles and pedestrians at these busy intersections, they are only on duty between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (and often less frequently). Consider wearing light or reflective clothing at dawn, dusk or nighttime.
- Cross only at crosswalks, especially on Morris Park Avenue between the Price Center/Block Pavilion and Forchheimer, because traffic often backs up, making it dangerous to cut through impatient motorists along the roadway.
- Do not remove barriers that are in place for your safety in order to cross closer to your intended destination (such as Belfer). The extra steps are good for your health (get 10,000 a day!) and for your livelihood.
- Because four lanes have been reduced to two lanes at the base of Morris Park and a portion of the slanted parking spots were eliminated for the project, parking is harder to come by in the immediate vicinity of our campus. Give yourself more time to find parking, or opt to use public transportation instead.
- The Einstein shuttle to the 180th Street subway station is available in the morning and early evening, making public transport a viable option for those traveling from other parts of the city who might typically drive to work. Be sure to check the shuttle schedule for pick-up and drop-off times at 180th Street and outside Belfer.
- The MTA buses are still stopping near our campus, although the stops have been relocated to Eastchester Road or further up Morris Park Avenue (at Seminole Ave.) because of the construction. For MTA bus information as it pertains to the BxM10, Bx21 and Bx31, view this information from our “Visitors” page. And remember: the MTA Bus Time app is the best way to track buses in real time.
Finally, remember that New York City projects like these are meant to serve a greater good. Like the sewage that will eventually be averted from our water, this too shall pass! For those who’d like to know more about the construction project, view a map and project description here.
Posted on: Wednesday, June 07, 2017