Flood protection installed along the East River in Manhattan

NEW YORK (PIX11) -- A lot of work is happening along the Franklin D. Roosevelt Drive and the East River on the Lower East Side to protect the city from flooding and hurricanes. 

This week, the next phase of a major resiliency project has begun.

Crews and contractors with the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC)are installing moveable flood gates known as flood walls. 

The flood walls will form a moveable barrier between the Brooklyn Bridge and Montgomery Street. The gates reach 16 feet above sea level. 

They can be mechanically or manually raised and lowered to prevent flooding and damage from debris. They will eventually stretch nearly a mile under the FDR and connect with other new barriers. 

When they're not in the raised position, they will serve as an area for open space and recreation. 

Two major ongoing projects are in the works along water's edge of the Lower East Side. The complete area stretches more than 3 miles. 

The East River Park on the northern section is being raised 6 feet to act as a barrier against sea level rise. 

A new pedestrian bridge between Delancey and Grand Streets will open in September and provide access to some new ball fields. 

Some of the first work began in 2021 and NYC DDC Commissioner Thomas Foley says they are on-time and on-budget as some phases continue to wrap up as others begin.  

The overall projects are set to continue through 2026.