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.
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.
ReplyDeleteget a grip
DeleteYup. Make sure to get the unlicensed two-wheel deadly vehicle operators too.
DeleteRight, the person who wants people to be held accountable for endangering lives should "get a grip". You sound like a boomer from Westchester yourself.
DeleteWhy does 2nd St change directions at 1st Ave?
ReplyDeleteI always wondered that.
DeleteIt generally runs from west to east, but from 1 Ave to its origin at Ave C it runs east to west. I presume it's because traffic naturally flows onto it from Houston and this provides an easy way to get to 1 Ave and go north. Also, 5th street is interrupted between 1 Ave and Ave A, and again from Ave B to C, so this provides an alternate west to east traffic flow.
DeleteThis is awesome, looking forward to this. I use B a lot for biking to avoid the chaos of A.
ReplyDeleteThere is constant steam coming out of the broken steam pipes at 10th Street and now 7th Street. The city has literally been trying to fix this for YEARS. Also on Avenue C where there is still ongoing work to fix drainage I believe. They are constantly digging up the street. And now they go and dig it up some more. This community board is so out of touch with what is actually going on on the ground and how residents are impacted
ReplyDelete11th St bet A & B also. They’ve been digging up the same hole that steam has been coming out of for about 20 years now
DeleteIdiotic. Keep the streets clear why is this DOT like little kids in fantasy land?.
ReplyDeleteClear of cars for people, yes please.
DeleteThis really is not needed. The sidewalks are narrow but a one way for 3 blocks makes no sense.
ReplyDeleteIt does when they want to appease the wealthiest people on B.
DeleteAI told the city to do it. That's the world we live in today. We can't think or take responsibility for our actions. So... just ask Claude.
ReplyDeleteWhat is this in aid of? This is already a super chill stretch of Avenue B. Seems like a solution in search of a problem. No wonder our budget is over $125 Billion. That's more than double the State Budget of New Jersey. If NYC was a state we'd have the 4th highest budget in the US - which doesn't include 1 penny of the NY State Budget which is $132 Billion. So why aren't we living better? One reason is unnecessary projects like this.
ReplyDeleteI saw they put the bike lane markings right in the middle of the street between 10th and 14th. Does that mean they’re going to get rid of Parking on both sides?
ReplyDeleteWell the wealthiest who live along this little stretch of avenue B finally pulled it off. Congratulation! It’s about time.
ReplyDeleteThis is so dumb and such a waste of money that would be better allocated elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteI guess from NYC government I shouldn't expect anything else though.
Bicyclists (especially Citibike) will now prioritize pedestrians and stop at red lights?
ReplyDelete