Description of the Culver Line viaduct project
Built in the 1930's, the Culver Line viaduct is an elevated subway structure that F trains use to cross the Gowanus Canal to and from Brooklyn. Adverse weather and age have caused the structure to deteriorate. This project will repair the viaduct, installing new concrete, viaduct decking, and track drainage. In addition, we will replace ballasted track with low-vibration track.
Other improvements include rehabilitation of the 4th Avenue Interlocking Signal System with new switches; Communication Based Train Control (CBTC)-ready) signals; and new signal relay and communication rooms.
Impact of project to a 4(f) resource
Land that meets the criteria for Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966 protection is publicly owned parkland, recreation area, wildlife or waterfowl refuge, or a significant historic site that would be used for a transportation project. St. Mary's Park is considered a Section 4(f) resource because it is publicly owned parkland.
Since active construction work will be taking place directly over St. Mary's Park, located on Smith Street between Luquer Street and Nelson Street, it will be necessary to close the park for approximately nine-months over the course of the 45-month project. However, closures will not be consecutive; we will divide them into four, two-to-three-month closings.
NYC Transit will provide notice to the community prior to each closing. Impact to the park will be temporary, and any construction damages repaired. In addition, we will restore the park to its original condition prior to construction when we complete the project.
4(f) De minimus impact determination in accordance with 23 CFR 774.3(b)
It is the intent of New York City Transit, in coordination with the Federal Transit Administration and the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, to make a 4(f) de minimus impact determination as defined in 23 CFR 774.17 for the use of St. Mary's Park. A de minimus impact is one that will not adversely affect the features, attributes, or activities qualifying the property for protection under 4(f). As previously mentioned, all impacts will be temporary, and the park restored to its former condition upon the project's completion. Prior to making this determination, public notice and an opportunity for public review and comment concerning the impacts to the park must be conducted.
Please send us your comments
Based on the aforementioned project information, which involves the temporary closing and use of St. Mary's Park, NYC Transit invites you to submit comments. Contact:
MTA NYC Transit
Government and Community Relations
2 Broadway, 17th flr, Rm. D17.157
New York, NY 10004
andrew.inglesby@nyct.com
Comments will be accepted until December 10, 2008.
