Millions of people walk the streets of New York every day, unaware of the vast underground network beneath their feet. In fact, beneath these streets lie interconnected systems crucial for the city’s functioning.
Sewers, subways, water lines, and natural gas systems are just a fraction of the underground world. Operating without these systems would be incredibly challenging for even just one day.
So, what exactly lies beneath the pavement of New York City? The most significant human-made element of the city’s underground infrastructure is its water tunnels. These tunnels convey approximately 981 million gallons of water to various parts of the city each day. Gravity propels the water through the tunnels, and the pressure from the constant flow sends it into channels located 60 meters below the surface. This intricate system spans approximately 11,265 kilometers and largely traverses beneath most streets.
Furthermore, approximately 30 meters below the streets of New York City lies a 7,000-mile-long sewer system. About 60% of these sewers are combined, meaning they transport both stormwater and wastewater directly to treatment facilities.
Another noteworthy system when it comes to hidden infrastructure is the subway. New York City’s subway system boasts 2,000 miles of track and 724,204 kilometers of electrified underground lines. However, the deepest station, located approximately 50 meters below ground level, becomes vulnerable to potential damage due to its proximity to both the sewer and water networks. This vulnerability can result in flooding and halt train services during repair periods.
Moreover, the city hosts 10,142,085 kilometers of natural gas pipelines beneath its streets. These pipelines, typically buried at depths of less than 10 meters, transport gas from measurement stations to production facilities via approximately 400,000 service lines, distributing natural gas to homes and businesses.
Additionally, New York is home to the world’s largest and oldest steam system. Steam pipes, spanning vast distances underground from the Financial District to 96th Street on the Upper West Side and 89th Street on the Upper East Side, supply heat to buildings throughout the city.
In summary, New York City’s underground network is far more intricate than we might imagine, providing the city with numerous utilities and opportunities.
