How We Replaced 7 Tree-Root-Damaged Sidewalk Slabs at 8-17 Onderdonk Avenue, Queens

Our crew completed a sidewalk replacement project at 8-17 Onderdonk Avenue in Ridgewood, Queens. Mature street tree roots had contributed to the deterioration of seven concrete sidewalk slabs, affecting approximately 175 square feet along the property frontage.

Tree roots can put pressure on concrete as they grow beneath the sidewalk, contributing to cracks, raised slabs, and uneven walking surfaces. For this residential property, the priority was to remove the deteriorated sections and rebuild the affected area with new concrete.

The project also involved sidewalk violation-removal work, so coordinating the required permits was an important part of preparing for construction.

Preparing the Site and Coordinating NYC Permits

Before excavation and concrete removal began, our team coordinated the permits and pre-construction requirements applicable to the project.

These included an NYC DOT Sidewalk Repair Permit, Sidewalk Closing Permit, and NYC Parks Tree Work Permit. An 811 utility mark-out ticket was also obtained to help identify underground utilities before excavation.

With these requirements addressed, the crew could proceed with removing the damaged sidewalk and preparing the affected area for replacement.

Removing Seven Deteriorated Slabs and Pouring New Concrete

The crew broke out and hauled away all seven damaged sidewalk slabs, clearing approximately 175 square feet for reconstruction.

After removing the old concrete, the team prepared the affected area and installed formwork to establish the boundaries of the replacement sections. Concrete reinforcement was incorporated before pouring to support the new sidewalk construction.

The crew then poured premium concrete across the prepared area. A broom finish was applied to create a textured walking surface, and expansion joints were installed to accommodate concrete movement and help manage cracking.

Together, these steps provided a complete replacement of the deteriorated sections rather than a temporary patch over the existing damage.

What Made This Ridgewood Sidewalk Project Different?

The main challenge was the deterioration associated with mature street tree roots. Unlike damage caused solely by surface wear, root-related sidewalk problems can involve pressure from beneath the concrete, making it important to assess the affected slabs before deciding on the repair.

This project focused on replacing seven damaged slabs rather than reconstructing the entire sidewalk frontage. The work combined concrete removal, site preparation, reinforcement, and new concrete placement with the permit coordination required for the project.

Using 4,000 PSI concrete and incorporating expansion joints were part of the replacement approach. However, future performance also depends on proper installation, curing, site conditions, and continued tree-root growth.

Project Outcome

The completed project replaced seven deteriorated sidewalk slabs covering approximately 175 square feet at 8-17 Onderdonk Avenue in Ridgewood.

The total project cost was approximately $4,300, including permits, with a timeline of up to 60 days for permitting, coordination, and construction.

The replacement addressed the damaged concrete and restored the affected sidewalk sections with a new, finished surface. The project also illustrates the importance of considering tree-root conditions and permit requirements when planning sidewalk repairs in Ridgewood and throughout Queens.

 

Service: Sidewalk Replacement and Violation Removal

Location: 8-17 Onderdonk Avenue, Ridgewood, NY 11385