NYCDOT - Press Releases

NYC DOT Announces Eased Parking Regulations on Atlantic Avenue

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:15:00 EDT

New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan today announced that afternoon rush hour parking restrictions on Atlantic Avenue will be lifted in July, providing additional parking hours in Boerum Hill’s commercial hub and easing access to local businesses. Starting in July, the current 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. No Standing regulations on eastbound Atlantic between Smith Street and Third Avenue will be lifted, providing a three-hour extension of metered parking availability at approximately 100 parking spaces. These changes were requested by local stakeholders including Assembly Member Joan Millman, Council Member Stephen Levin, Community Board 2, the Boerum Hill Association, Atlantic Avenue Betterment Association, and the newly formed Atlantic Avenue BID. It was also supported by the New York City Department of Small Business Services.

NYC DOT Announces Expansion Of Energy-efficient LED-light Installations Citywide

Wed, 23 May 2012 16:57:00 EDT

New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan today announced the sweeping installation of light-emitting diode (LED) fixtures in Central Park, the East River Bridges, Eastern Parkway and the underdeck of Manhattan’s FDR Drive—significant upgrades to the City’s lighting infrastructure that will provide substantial energy- and cost-savings while providing quality light to these public spaces. Importantly, these upgrades retain, and in some instances, improve illumination levels of these areas, and continue to enhance public safety. DOT, together with the Climate Group and the U.S. Department of Energy, initiated a multiyear study in 2009 as part of a global study to quantify the benefits for cities to use LED lighting versus existing fixtures. Observations of LED fixtures on the FDR Drive and in Central Park showed significant energy savings, up to 50% and 83%, respectively. Given these findings, and the overall goals of PlaNYC, the Mayor’s sustainability agenda, and DOT’s strategic plan, DOT will start replacing all 1,600 metal-halide fixtures in Manhattan’s iconic Central Park, which is expected to deliver energy savings of up to 62%. The agency also is moving forward to replace hundreds of remaining mercury-vapor necklace lights on all of the East River Bridges and also install LED fixtures on key highways. The LED program is expected to achieve nearly $300,000 in annual energy and maintenance savings in fiscal year 2013, with additional savings to follow that reflect the full year value.

NYC DOT Commissioner Sadik-Khan Announces Launch Of “Heads Up” Safety Ad Campaign

Fri, 18 May 2012 15:01:00 EDT

New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan today announced the launch of the “Heads Up” street safety ad campaign, spotlighting unsafe behavior and reminding cyclists and pedestrians to stay alert and obey the rules of the road to keep themselves and others safe.

NYC DOT Installs New Art Display Case, Expanding Opportunites for Temporary Public Art

Thu, 17 May 2012 15:31:00 EDT

The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) today announced the installation of a prototype for the agency’s first-ever outdoor art display case at TriBeCa’s Bogardus Plaza on Hudson Street between Chambers and Reade streets. The model, designed by Architecture Research Office (ARO), will be in place for one month to observe the design’s performance in an outdoor environment. Last fall, DOT issued a challenge to designers, asking them to reinvent the fixed display cases seen in museums and galleries as a moveable piece for outdoor use. ARO’s design was selected for implementation. The goal is to temporarily install display cases in pedestrian plazas and other areas within the public realm to create new opportunities for displaying art such as photos, paintings and collages.

NYC DOT Rehabilitates Bruckner Boulevard Bridge Over Railroad Tracks West of Bronx River

Fri, 04 May 2012 18:38:00 EDT

As part of the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) project to rehabilitate the Bruckner Expressway Bridges over the Amtrak/CSX Railroad tracks near the Bronx River, an upcoming reconstruction of the southbound Bruckner Boulevard bridge will require weekend traffic changes between 9 p.m. Friday, May 4 and 9 p.m. Sunday, May 6. The slip ramp from the southbound Bruckner Expressway to Bruckner Boulevard between Bronx River Avenue and the Sheridan Expressway will be closed overnights, from 9 p.m. Friday to 10 a.m. Saturday and from 9 p.m. Saturday to 12 p.m. Sunday. During the overnight closures, a temporary exit from the southbound Bruckner Expressway to Bruckner Boulevard and local streets at Whitlock Avenue will be opened approximately 500 feet beyond the slip ramp. To facilitate this detour, southbound Bruckner Boulevard will be closed to traffic at Bronx River Avenue for the duration of the work, from 9 p.m. Friday to 9 p.m. Sunday, and motorists will be directed to use Westchester and Whitlock avenues to rejoin Bruckner Boulevard. Exit 51 of the southbound Bruckner Expressway will also be closed during the days, while no left turns will be allowed from the Westchester Avenue exit of the northbound Sheridan Expressway. Motorists are urged to avoid the area if possible and use alternate routes.

Street Closures for Annual Five Boro Bike Tour Sunday, May 6

Thu, 03 May 2012 13:49:00 EDT

The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) today advised that rolling street, bridge and highway closures will occur on Sunday, May 6 throughout the city to facilitate the annual TD Bank Five Boro Bike Tour. Rolling street closures will begin at 6:30 a.m. ahead of the event’s 7:45 a.m. start time in Lower Manhattan and continue along the 42-mile route through Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn before concluding in Staten Island at 6 p.m. The ride also kicks off Bike Month NYC 2012, a month-long series of events designed to encourage New Yorkers to take advantage of New York City’s more than 700 miles of bike routes on streets, in parks and along greenways for transportation, recreation and exercise. DOT is working with Bike New York and other partners to host a special group ride for students at Brooklyn’s P.S. 89 and I.S. 302 for Bike to School Day on Wednesday, May 9. The agency also is sponsoring bike-bell giveaways next week as part of its Bike Smart campaign. Additionally, free bike helmet fittings for adults and children are planned throughout the spring and summer. Details for these events will be posted on DOT’s Facebook page (facebook.com/nycdot) and Twitter account (@nyc_dot).

NYC DOT Highlights National Work Zone Awareness Week, Reminds New Yorkers to Drive Safely Through Work Zones on Streets, Roadways and Bridges

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:14:00 EDT

The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) today reminded New Yorkers to drive with care through work zones on streets, roadways and bridges as part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to make these places safer for everyone—especially workers—and as part of National Work Zone Awareness Week, which is being observed April 23-27. Roughly one work zone fatality occurs every 15 hours nationally. Across the U.S., one work zone injury occurs every 16 minutes. In New York City, 22 city DOT workers have been injured in work zone incidents since 2009 and seven employees died from crashes in work zones during the past two decades. While National Work Zone Awareness Week is designated for one week at the start of the construction season in April, its message resonates year round. This is reflected in DOT’s ongoing pursuit of legislation with elected leaders for stiffer penalties for motorists driving recklessly through work zones. This month, DOT re-introduced its work-zone safety ad campaign to build awareness that work zones are work places and to encourage motorist to drive with care through them to saves lives. The ads, which appear on billboards, in print and on the radio in Albany and New York City, can be viewed at nyc.gov/workzonesafety.

NYC DOT And New York Cares Host Third Annual Barrier Beautification, Saturday, April 21

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 12:10:00 EDT

New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) today announced the third annual “Barrier Beautification” event—produced by the agency’s Urban Art Program in partnership with the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit and New York Cares—will take place at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 21.

NYC DOT To Implement Two-Way Traffic On Liberty Avenue Between 93rd St. And Cross Bay Blvd. On April 24

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:29:00 EDT

The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) today announced that two-way traffic flow will be restored to Liberty Avenue between 93rd Street and Cross Bay Boulevard in Ozone Park on Tuesday, April 24. Through traffic will remain restricted, with eastbound Liberty Avenue traffic continuing to be directed to southbound Cross Bay Boulevard.

NYC DOT Announces Signal Improvements, Including Adding Left-turn Phases at Key Staten Island Intersections to Enhance Safety and Improve Mobility

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 15:27:00 EDT

The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) today announced plans to install left-turn signals at the intersections of Victory Boulevard and Slosson Avenue, Manor Road and Rockland Avenue and Forest Hill and Richmond Hill roads, adjustments designed to improve traffic flow and safety. DOT evaluated the locations and approved the left turns based on an analysis of traffic flow in the area, including peak-hour turning movements and crash data. Both directions of Slosson Avenue at Victory Boulevard will receive this treatment, and work is expected to start by May. Left-turn signals will be added to both directions of Forest Hill Road at Richmond Hill Road, and westbound Manor Road onto southbound Rockland Avenue during the summer, as these locations require the installation of new signal poles and supporting infrastructure. This work complements previous and upcoming work across the borough to adapt signal timing so streets work better and are safer for all users. A recent example includes the installation of a leading pedestrian interval at Victory Boulevard and Manor Road, a signal adjustment that reduces pedestrian-vehicle conflicts by providing pedestrians with additional lead time to cross. The new left turns also echo the upcoming installation of turning bays on Hylan Boulevard at Cleveland, Fieldway, Buffalo and Chesterton avenues.

Alternate Side Parking Regulations to be Suspended in Parts of Sunset Park, Greenwood Heights, and Windsor Terrace Sections of Brooklyn Community District 7 Starting Monday, Mar. 26 as DOT Posts New,

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 14:18:00 EDT

Effective Monday, Mar. 26, 2012, Street Cleaning/Alternate Side Parking (ASP) Regulations will be temporarily suspended in parts of the Sunset Park, Greenwood Heights, and Windsor Terrace sections of Brooklyn Community District 7 for approximately 12 weeks as the Department of Transportation (DOT) installs signage for the first of two implementation phases for the new, reduced regulations. Approximately 4,600 ASP signs in the area will be installed during this phase, reducing residential street cleaning parking restrictions from twice a week to just once a week to ease parking for local residents. The new rules were established by the Department of Sanitation at the request of Community Board 7, which becomes the first community to receive reduced parking regulations since legislation passed the City Council allowing for a reduction if streets with the Community District met City standards for cleanliness. To be eligible for such a reduction, the boards must receive an average street cleanliness scorecard rating of at least 90 for two consecutive fiscal years.

NYC DOT Gives Free Taxi, Livery and Transit Rides Home For Safe Celebrating During “March Madness”

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 15:07:00 EDT

New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan today announced the return of the “Safe Rides Home” giveaway—thousands of free taxi, livery and public transit rides home to be distributed this month to coincide with the March Madness college basketball tournaments—and the release of the new, free You the Man Android app. Both are part of DOT’s multi-platform “You the Man” safety campaign, which is designed to enhance safety on New York City streets by curbing drinking and driving. For the “Safe Rides Home” promotion, DOT is working with Diageo brands Guinness, Baileys and Bushmills to provide nearly 2,000 free debit cards valued at $15 apiece for New Yorkers to use in taxis or at MetroCard or other transit-ticket machines this month. In addition, 3,000 single-ride MetroCards will be distributed citywide as part of the program. The Safe Rides Home program reminds celebrants that they can count on friends and family members as designated drivers, as well as the city’s transportation professionals: cab, livery and bus drivers and subway operators. The new Android-compatible app helps connect New Yorkers to their nearest TLC-approved car services and subway stations anywhere in New York City by using GPS.

NYC DOT Announces Record Safety Gains in Staten Island, Major Projects Completed in 2011

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:56:00 EST

New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan today announced record traffic-safety gains for Staten Island and major projects completed in 2011, the latest in a decade of unprecedented street-safety improvements, and reflecting the City’s sustained reduction in pedestrian injuries and fatalities. There were 11 traffic fatalities on Staten Island in 2011, a 58% decline from the 26 fatalities that occurred in 2010 and 65% fewer than in 2001. In addition to having the fewest traffic fatalities in Staten Island since detailed borough-specific records have been kept, 2011 also marked the lowest number of traffic deaths involving motor-vehicle occupants. These safety gains are a direct result of strategic campaigns to re-engineer streets so they are safer for pedestrians, especially seniors and school children. In addition to its ongoing Safe Streets for Seniors and Safe Routes to Schools programs, DOT launched an ambitious program to install pedestrian countdown signals (PCS) at high-crash locations throughout the city, including at nearly 70 intersections along some of Staten Island’s busiest corridors like Hylan Boulevard and Richmond Avenue.

NYC DOT Installs Countdown Signals on Queens Boulevard, the Latest in a Year of Unprecendented Safety and Mobility Enhancements Boroughwide

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:12:00 EST

New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan today announced that pedestrian countdown signals (PCS) have been installed at 66 intersections along Queens Boulevard, the latest in a decade of safety improvements that have helped bring sustained reductions in pedestrian injuries and fatalities along the seven-mile corridor. The installations were among over 2,100 countdown signals installed boroughwide in 2011 and are in addition to traffic safety and mobility projects completed last year at 44th Drive; at 36th Avenue and Vernon Boulevard; and at Woodhaven Boulevard, making it easier and safer to drive, walk and bike in the borough. Once a notorious corridor, Queens Boulevard saw 18 pedestrian fatalities at its height in 1997. There were one or two such fatalities a year since 2004 and zero pedestrian fatalities in 2011, the first time this has been recorded since 1983, the year when detailed fatality records were first kept. There also was a record-low 62 traffic fatalities of any kind in all of Queens in 2011, part of the 242 traffic fatalities citywide—the fewest since records were first kept in 1910.

Suspension of Alternate Side Parking Regulations For Saturday, Jan. 21

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:23:00 EST

The New York City Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the Department of Sanitation, today announced that Alternate Side Parking Regulations are suspended citywide tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012, to facilitate snow removal. Payment at parking meters will remain in effect throughout the City.