Architecture

The QueensWay will be New York's second High Line

The QueensWay will be New York's second High Line
The QueensWay Project would see the US$120 million renovation of a portion of the abandoned Rockaway Rail Line for use as a public park
The QueensWay Project would see the US$120 million renovation of a portion of the abandoned Rockaway Rail Line for use as a public park
View 14 Images
The QueensWay Project would see the US$120 million renovation of a portion of the abandoned Rockaway Rail Line for use as a public park
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The QueensWay Project would see the US$120 million renovation of a portion of the abandoned Rockaway Rail Line for use as a public park
The QueensWay path will be separated for pedestrians and cyclists in certain areas, with outdoor classrooms featured along the pedestrian path for active, safe, learning spaces
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The QueensWay path will be separated for pedestrians and cyclists in certain areas, with outdoor classrooms featured along the pedestrian path for active, safe, learning spaces
The QueensWay path will be designed with measures to ensure privacy for adjacent homes
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The QueensWay path will be designed with measures to ensure privacy for adjacent homes
A projected view of the QueensWay from above
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A projected view of the QueensWay from above
The proposed elevated entrance gateway of the QueensWay
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The proposed elevated entrance gateway of the QueensWay
A projected view below the QueensWay
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A projected view below the QueensWay
The stairs up to the QueensWay provides direct access for the surrounding neighborhoods without blocking the businesses beneath
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The stairs up to the QueensWay provides direct access for the surrounding neighborhoods without blocking the businesses beneath
There is City-owned land adjacent to the QueensWay bridge that can provide space for a playground, seating and access to the QueensWay via stairs
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There is City-owned land adjacent to the QueensWay bridge that can provide space for a playground, seating and access to the QueensWay via stairs
The old LIRR substation on Atlantic Avenue could be converted into a new cultural facility that connects directly to the QueensWay
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The old LIRR substation on Atlantic Avenue could be converted into a new cultural facility that connects directly to the QueensWay
The QueensWay Project would see 3.5 mi (5.6 km) of recreational walking and biking trails created
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The QueensWay Project would see 3.5 mi (5.6 km) of recreational walking and biking trails created
A multi-use sports pavilion is planned for the QueensWay
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A multi-use sports pavilion is planned for the QueensWay
Bleachers can be built into the QueensWay embankment that will allow friends and family to watch the baseball games being played at the Forest Hills Little League fields
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Bleachers can be built into the QueensWay embankment that will allow friends and family to watch the baseball games being played at the Forest Hills Little League fields
The southern end of the QueensWay creates the opportunity for a multi-purpose recreational area, such as a skate park
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The southern end of the QueensWay creates the opportunity for a multi-purpose recreational area, such as a skate park
The QueensWay can be used year-round, such as by by cross-country skiers when there has been heavy snowfall
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The QueensWay can be used year-round, such as by by cross-country skiers when there has been heavy snowfall
View gallery - 14 images

Inspired by the creation of the city's High Line, a group in the Queens area of New York is looking to follow suit. Friends of the QueensWay wants to transform a portion of the abandoned Rockaway Rail Line into 3.5 mi (5.6 km) of recreational walking and biking trails.

Since its redevelopment of the New York Central Railroad's West Side Line spur, the High Line, where the third and final section was recently opened, has inspired a number of other similar projects across the world. Sydney's Goods Line is another example that has repurposed a disused railroad. Like both the High Line and the Goods Line, the QueensWay project is looking to create public value from a piece of infrastructure that is defunct and disrepaired.

The proposed elevated entrance gateway of the QueensWay
The proposed elevated entrance gateway of the QueensWay

The QueensWay route runs through the neighborhoods of Rego Park, Forest Hills, Glendale, Richmond Hill, Woodhaven and Ozone Park. Amongst its planned features are recreational and cultural areas, natural trails, playgrounds, exercise areas, a multi-use sports pavilion and local food concessions.

The plan for the QueensWay, released yesterday, has been developed by WXY architecture + urban design and DLANDStudio Architecture & Landscape Architecture. It is based on numerous workshops and community engagement meetings held in Queens over the past year and is expected to cost US$120 million.

The plan outlines a number of areas in which benefits can be expected through the development of the project. These are local economic activity, safer streets, alternative modes of transport, recreation and health, park equity, education, culture and ecology.

There is City-owned land adjacent to the QueensWay bridge that can provide space for a playground, seating and access to the QueensWay via stairs
There is City-owned land adjacent to the QueensWay bridge that can provide space for a playground, seating and access to the QueensWay via stairs

"This will be a wonderful park for Queens," says Will Rogers, president of The Trust for Public Land, which has managed the development of the project. "It will provide a safe way for people to get to Forest Park without having to cross dangerous traffic, and the visitors of the QueensWay will help local businesses. It will also provide outdoor recreation for thousands of people who need that access."

Friends of the QueensWay was formed in 2011, with WXY and DLANDStudio hired in September last year to draw up the plan.

Source: Friends of the QueensWay

View gallery - 14 images
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