Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy
The Department of Transportation has officially begun construction on the permanent redesign of the Avenue B Open Street between Fourth Street and 12th Street, a project that will bring expanded pedestrian space, new bike connections, loading zones and intersection safety improvements to the corridor.
As we've been reporting, one of the biggest changes will be converting Avenue B to one-way northbound traffic for motorists between Seventh Street and 10th Street while creating a two-way bike connection along the entire corridor.
The redesign also includes curb extensions, additional pedestrian space and other traffic-calming measures.
The DOT will also add neighborhood loading zones at the beginning and end of each block to accommodate deliveries and reduce large-truck traffic along the corridor. Vans will continue to be permitted on Avenue B for deliveries, loading and unloading.
Meanwhile, pedestrians can continue to use the Open Street daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Per DOT officials in a media release on Monday:
The agency will redesign every intersection in the project area with new pedestrian curb extensions that are protected with planters, bike corrals, granite blocks, or other elements.These sidewalk expansions will provide the triple benefit of creating more public space for pedestrians and shortening crossing distances while also improving visibility between crossing pedestrians and other road users.
We stopped by yesterday as DOT crews continued installing new signs along Avenue B.
One worker pointed out the newly installed "Do Not Enter" signs on the southbound side of B at 10th Street tied to the one-way traffic pattern.
As we stood there, car after car continued driving through them.
"It will take some time for drivers to get used to it," the DOT worker said. "That happened at 14th Street too."
Nearby, crews were installing new No Parking/No Standing signs, while fresh spray-painted markings on the pavement offered a preview of the new street layout.
Construction is expected to continue in phases over the coming months. The DOT says the project is intended to build on the success of the Open Street, which launched in 2020, while creating a safer and more permanent streetscape for pedestrians, cyclists and local businesses.
2 comments:
They really need cameras to catch and fine people driving the wrong way, jumping red lights, speeding etc. There is no point doing this if laws aren't enforced as the NYPD coming in from Long Island and Westchester seem to actively believe drivers should be able to do whatever they want.
get a grip
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