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Ground Penetrating Radar Survey Work

The NYCDOT Division of Bridge’s contractors will conduct Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey work and soil borings along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade in preparation for the future rehabilitation of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE), Atlantic Avenue to Sands Street. The GPR survey work will begin on Monday, July 16, 2018, and occur throughout the week between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Once the data from the GPR has been analyzed and a more complete understanding of what is beneath the ground is established, survey contractors will conduct soil borings to get more information about the condition of any buried structures. Parks Department personnel will be on site throughout to monitor and protect existing plants while the work is underway. The Promenade will remain open throughout this time period.

Possible Warehouse Wall Remains inside BQE Cantilevers

The purpose of the GPR survey is to identify the remnants of warehouse structures that were partly or fully demolished to construct the BQE’s triple cantilever, including the Promenade. Demolition began in the early 1940s, and construction lasted until 1948, with the Promenade officially opening to the public by 1951.

BQE Under Construction in 1948

GPR will create a geophysical image of the objects underneath the surface of the Promenade by sending radar pulses below ground. This nondestructive technique will survey the remnants of the warehouses underneath the Promenade, and it will pinpoint locations for upcoming soil boring tests along and adjacent to the Promenade.

GPR Device

Throughout the duration of the GPR work, Promenade users can expect to see a device similar to the one in the image above. Employees operating the device will wear identifying safety vests. This work is being conducted under a permit issued by, and in close coordination with, the Department of Parks and Recreation.

The BQE Project Team is available at 332-999-4520 or info@bqe-i278.com to provide additional information or respond to questions about these project activities. For all NYC non-emergency services, including inquiries regarding NYCDOT construction projects, dial 311.