Construction is starting on a water shaft at Hudson St. between Clarkson and Houston Sts. that, when finished, will reach down to connect to the new 3rd City Water Tunnel, currently being dug 550 ft. under Manhattan. The construction site is being enclosed by a cement-slab wall to keep noise levels low and equipment safe. According to the Department of Environmental Protection, the entire construction process is slated to take five years, from beginning to end. Because access to the shaft must be maintained, development won’t be allowed on the property after the job is finished. The site, formerly a privately owned parking lot, will be transferred to the Parks Department after the work is done, and it will be used for a playground, sports field or some other recreational use.
