Reconstruction begins for dangerous stretch of Atlantic Ave. in East New York

$37 million redesign hopes to reduce injuries and crashes

May 7, 2018 By Raanan Geberer Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Photo courtesy of the NYC Department of Transportation

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Workers have begun a $37-million redesign of a dangerous 23-block section of Atlantic Avenue in East New York in hopes of reducing injuries and crashes.

Three people were killed — and more than 1,300 injured — from 2010 to March 2018 along the 1.2-mile stretch between Logan Street and Georgia Avenue, according to the city Department of Transportation.

The project will expand roadway medians and extend curbs at several intersections to shorten the distance for pedestrians to cross the street, install new left-turn bays to help drivers make left turns while decreasing the risk of lane-change crashes, and modify traffic signals to help limit speeding.

“For too long, this busy stretch of Atlantic Avenue has been plagued by harrowing and tragic accidents. I am proud to support these new safety improvements which will protect pedestrians, cyclists and drivers alike,” said Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-East New York).

“This is a monumental moment for the Cypress Hills and East New York community,” said NYC Councilmember Rafael Espinal. “Atlantic Avenue has been a blight in our community that has been unsafe for motorists and pedestrians, while serving as a barrier between the two communities. This upgrade, thanks to our advocacy through the ENY Rezoning Plan, will finally help bridge the communities and make it easier and safer for commuters in this neighborhood. I am proud to join DDC, DOT and my elected colleagues in announcing the groundbreaking on these crucial renovations.”

In addition, new sidewalks and high-visibility crosswalks will be added, as well as new traffic markings to eliminate several dangerous left turns.

The stretch — a key conduit to JFK Airport — is so dangerous and uninviting that many local officials came to Friday’s groundbreaking, including City Councilmember Rafael Espinal (D-Brownsville), Assemblymember Erik Dilan (D-Bushwick), the Department of Transportation’s Brooklyn Commissioner Keith Bray and Department of Design and Construction Deputy Commissioner Eric MacFarlane.

The project will also include new water mains, new sewer lines and new catch basins beneath the avenue. Once the project is finished, 153 new trees will be planted, the Department of Transportation said.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2020.