Washington Heights 15-Block Stretch Of Broadway To Receive Improvements

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY — The city Department of Transportation will begin road safety projects on a 15-block span of Broadway in Washington Heights this spring as part of a $1.6 billion citywide safety initiative, the mayor's office announced Tuesday.

A number of traffic-calming improvements will be constructed on Broadway between West 155th and 170th streets this year. The traffic improvements follow recommendations from the Washington Heights Transportation Study, according to the mayor's office.

"Dangerous streets have to change," Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a statement. "We want to get the word out: we’re moving lanes, adding new space for pedestrians and making it safer to cross intersections—all to keep your family safe. These changes have helped make each of the last three years under Vision Zero safer than the last."

The improvements include:

• New pedestrian space;
• Shorter crossings;
• Markings to clarify vehicle movements;
• Signal timing changes.

The projects are intended to reduce traffic injuries and fatalities on the busy Washington Heights roadway. Last year there were traffic 48 injuries and 1 traffic fatality reported on Broadway between West 155th and 170th streets, according to city vision zero data.

The city's $1.6 billion safety initiative also includes two other road improvement projects in Manhattan, four projects in Brooklyn, three projects in Queens, three projects in the Bronx and three projects in State Island.

"Over the past three years, we’ve seen major changes to our streets; making them safer for pedestrians, cyclists and all street users alike," City Council Transportation Chair, and Washington Heights representative, Ydanis Rodriguez said in a statement. "Mayor de Blasio and his administration have shown their dedication to street safety and improving our infrastructure with record investments for redesigns and resiliency. These projects will make our city more walkable and people-friendly as we work toward our ambitious Vision Zero goals."

Photo by Google Maps street view