New York City Launched $21 Million Ramp Project

The city began work in June 2025 to bring 31 corners in Community Boards 1 and 2 into ADA compliance.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Home Renovation

Bold vector editorial illustration of a concrete pedestrian ramp at an urban street corner, representing accessibility upgrades in New York City. — The New York City Department of Design and Construction has initiated a $21 million project to install ADA-compliant ramps at 31 intersections. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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In June 2025, the New York City Department of Design and Construction initiated a $21 million project to install ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps. The infrastructure upgrade involves 31 different corners located within Community Boards 1 and 2.

Why it matters

This infrastructure initiative ensures that local intersections meet modern accessibility standards for all pedestrians. The project encompasses significant sidewalk and utility relocations to improve neighborhood navigation.

The project encompasses 31 corners within Community Boards 1 and 2, supported by two material storage sites on Harrison and Greenwich Streets. The total budget for these upgrades is $21 million.

The players

Department of Design and Construction

This is the lead New York City agency responsible for the design and construction of municipal buildings and infrastructure projects.

The details

Contractors are currently managing the reconstruction of curbs, sidewalks, and the relocation of water mains and hydrants based on existing underground infrastructure. To mitigate local concerns, officials have installed rat traps at the Harrison Street storage site.

June 2025: Construction for the pedestrian ramp project began.
End of 2026: The city expects utility and street-light work to reach completion.
Spring 2027: Concrete work for the pedestrian ramps is scheduled to begin.
June 2027: The entire 31-corner project is expected to reach completion.

Roadmap

This project follows the federal mandate established by the Americans with Disabilities Act. It reflects a broader shift in city infrastructure planning toward prioritizing accessibility and modernization in older urban neighborhoods.

Residents in Community Boards 1 and 2 may experience temporary sidewalk closures and utility work disruptions during the construction phases. Pedestrians should note that concrete ramp installation is expected to cause localized activity beginning in early 2027.

The takeaway

The city is prioritizing essential accessibility upgrades that require significant coordination of underground utilities. Residents should monitor the progress of street-light and utility relocations as these components approach their 2026 completion milestone.