NEW YORK CITY — The New York City Department of Transportation have revealed a new expanded proposal to redesign the 31st Street bike lane in Astoria.
The 31st Street redesign will expand from Northern Boulevard to 20th Avenue with enhanced safety measures including curbside protected bike lanes, painted pedestrian islands to shorten pedestrian crossings, day-lighting, and reorganized travel lanes.
A previous proposal called for curbside protected bike lanes from 36th Avenue to Newtown Avenue.
In December, a judge ordered the DOT to stop plans for the redesign along the stretch siding with local businesses.
"For too long, New Yorkers have held their breath or said a prayer when crossing underneath the tracks at 31st Street with families and loved ones. When a street strikes fear into the hearts of New Yorkers, it is clear something needs to change,” NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn said.
The proposed redesign includes updates to curb regulations on every block to accommodate various types of curb access, according to the DOT.
Truck loading zones will allow businesses to load and receive deliveries from 7 am - 7 pm. Expanded two-hour metered parking will increase turnover for short parking periods in addition to designated taxis and for-hire vehicle loading zones.
The DOT also plans to restart public engagement for the proposed project.
According to the agency, new protected bike lanes on the street will provide a critical North/South connection for cyclists traveling between 20th Avenue and Northern Boulevard, the Queensboro Bridge, and the RFK Bridge.
Pedestrians will benefit from new islands to shorten crossing distances at intersections.
DOT has engaged with 150 businesses within the project limits and 84 percent of those businesses shared feedback that has been incorporated into the updated project.
“31st Street is one of the most dangerous corridors in Queens, with three deaths and over 500 injuries in the last five years alone. We must follow the data and take aggressive action to prevent traffic violence and save lives. That's why I am thrilled to support the Department of Transportation's expanded 31st Street redesign, stretching across the entire length of my district,” Assemblymember Diana Moreno said.
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