We will develop congestion
management plans for outer borough growth corridors
The vast majority of trips made in New York are not
to Manhattan; even among commuters, nearly twice as
many outer borough residents work outside of Manhattan
as inside-1.56 million versus 841,000. As neighborhoods
across the city grow, we must develop targeted plans
to diffuse congestion across the city.
The main commercial stretch along Brooklyn's Church
Avenue is one such area. This vibrant commercial district
attracts shoppers arriving by car and transit, as well
as local truck traffic. Double parking causes even more
delays between Coney Island Avenue and Utica Avenue,
and the B35 bus is slowed by traffic, encouraging more
to drive rather than take transit.
We have identified nine corridors that experience this
kind of road and transit congestion: - Fordham Road (Bronx)
- White Plains Road (Bronx)
- Church Avenue (Brooklyn)
- Nostrand Avenue (Brooklyn)
- West 96th Street (Manhattan)
- West 181st Street (Manhattan)
- Northern Boulevard (Queens)
- Woodhaven Boulevard (Queens)
- Amboy Road (Staten Island)
Over the next two years, we will undertake an intensive study of each area,
evaluating traffic congestion, truck traffic, pedestrian
mobility, transit service, and current and future land
use potential. When each study is finished, we will
work with affected communities to complete customized
plans that reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality,
provide a safer environment for vehicular and pedestrian
traffic, and improve quality of life.
Actions under consideration will include new bus, pedestrian
and bicycle enhancements, changes to the road design,
modification to parking rules to free up curb space,
and technological upgrades like computerized signaling
systems to facilitate traffic flow. Broader improvements,
such as taxi or for-hire vehicle stands, increased transit
service, and targeted traffic enforcement, could also
be part of the solutions.
We will also identify broader congestion "Growth
Areas" across the city, potentially spanning entire
neighborhoods, and develop neighborhood-specific strategies
using many of the same tools.
Progress (as of 4/22/08):
In 2008, DOT initiated a planning study of ten traffic
corridors across five boroughs that experience severe
road and transit congestion. The goal of the study is
to develop targeted plans, in conjunction with affected
communities, to diffuse congestion, improve air quality,
and provide a safer environment for drivers, pedestrians,
and bicyclists. Public meetings with these respective
communities will occur throughout April and May 2008
to gather local input. Short-term and long-term improvement
measures will be developed by the end of 2008 and will
be reviewed with local stakeholders. The Final Report
including recommendations for the five corridors is
expected to be completed by Summer 2009. |