Discover what lies beneath New York City’s streets, and why mapping it matters.
Almost daily, construction crews break ground only to discover gas pipelines, fiber optic cables, or steam mains in the way of vital upgrades. These unexpected findings cost the City millions in delays and pose a threat to emergency management. To solve this problem, the City is working to create the first complete and accurate map of everything—water and sewer lines, electrical conduits and natural gas pipelines—beneath our city’s streets. This technological feat will bring transparency to the “spaghetti-like jumble” and transform how the city builds, maintains, and protects its infrastructure.
Join Open House New York to hear directly from two agencies that dig up the streets every day to maintain and install essential infrastructure that improves our City. Thomas Wynne, Deputy Commissioner of Infrastructure for New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC), will discuss the massive subsurface coordination effort required between public and private entities to meet the needs of our growing City while keeping the heat on and New Yorkers connected via high-speed internet. Wendy Sperduto, Assistant Commissioner, Bureau of Water and Sewer Operations for New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will highlight how digitization of underground assets, including sewers and water mains, can allow for smarter planning by city agencies. Adam Barin, Manager of Strategy and Analytics, Mayor’s Office of Operations, will provide opening remarks. A moderated conversation follows the presentation.