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New York State Department of Transportation |
For Excellence in Wetlands and Water Quality:New York State Department of Transportation's Route 25 (Front Street)The reconstruction of NY Route 25 in the Village of Greenport in Eastern Long Island was developed in conjunction with the Village Waterfront Redevelopment Effort. The project improved transportation safety while preserving and promoting the natural environment and scenic quality of the Greenport community. The multi-faceted project enhanced the community's unique historic character while providing environmentally sensitive safety and mobility improvements needed in the 21st century. Partnerships with community stakeholders made enhancement of wetlands and water quality a major focus of the project design. A significant achievement was the overhaul of the entire storm water drainage system with resulting improvement in the quality of the roadway runoff before it reaches Greenport Harbor. Key project elements included eliminating deficiencies in the treatment of stormwater, repairing deteriorated drainage structures, improving water quality in the harbor area and waterfront, and creating two functional basins near the waterfront that resemble natural ponds. These basins are in harmony with the waterfront ecosystem and village improvements, while providing filtration of sediments, attracting waterfowl and providing wetland habitat. Specific waterfront improvements also included replacement of the headwall and bulkhead, and the addition of a boardwalk. The result is a functional drainage system that is in harmony with the waterfront ecosystem, the roadway, and village improvements. This project illustrates how to resolve aesthetic, traffic safety, and environmental concerns by integrating innovative and emerging techniques for stormwater management and wetland creation into an overall transportation plan to protect and enhance water quality of an urban area. Project Contributors:
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