Storm drain collapse raises safety concerns at busy Morrisania intersection
The damaged drain at Webster Ave and 173rd Street sits in the roadway as vehicles continue to pass through the area, with some drivers narrowly avoiding the collapsed section.
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Residents and community advocates in Morrisania are calling for repairs after a storm drain collapsed at a busy intersection, creating what they say is a potential hazard for drivers.
The damaged drain at Webster Ave and 173rd Street sits in the roadway as vehicles continue to pass through the area, with some drivers narrowly avoiding the collapsed section.
Community activist Sidney Flores says the drain has been repaired before but continues to fail.
"When they did fix it, within a year, it broke again," Flores said. "That's because this intersection is too narrow. I see fire trucks run over it, I see school buses run over it, and the concrete tears up again."
Longtime resident Hugh, who has lived in the neighborhood his entire life, says street and sidewalk conditions need more attention from city agencies.
"Something has to be done because it's a turn and you have a drain," he said. "A car could hit the ditch and have damage to the car. It needs to be done."
Hugh believes city officials should prioritize maintaining existing infrastructure rather than focusing on new projects.
"The city just has to put more time into maintenance," he said. "Not basically fixing or creating, but just maintaining. Maintaining things lasts longer."
Despite his concerns, Hugh says deteriorating road conditions have become a familiar sight.
"I got used to it," he said. "I grew up here all my life, so I've seen worse. I've seen things get better, and then I see things that are just damaged."
News 12 contacted the New York City Department of Environmental Protection about the collapsed storm drain. A spokesperson said the agency would dispatch a crew to investigate the situation.
