Queens

Presentation Transcript

A New York City Success Story

Presentation toAssociation of Pedestrian and Bicycle ProfessionalsChicago, IllinoisOctober 10, 2005Presented byAnn Marie DohertyDirector, Research Safety and ImplementationDivision of Traffic Planning

New York City

Department of Transportation

Iris Weinshall, Commissioner

City of New York

Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor

Project Goals

Balance needs of all

street users:

Emphasis on protecting pedestrians
Maintain traffic flow

Queens Boulevard Corridor

Primary Challenges

Roadway Characteristics

Wide Intersections (Up to 200 feet at some locations)
Main Line and Service Road (Up to 12 Lanes of Traffic)
High Speeds
High Volume of Vehicles and Pedestrians

5,000 total vehicles in the peak hour
1,200 pedestrians in the peak hour in one crosswalk
2,000 pedestrians exiting/entering 33rd Street Subway stop

Primary Challenges

Land Use

High Density Residential Development
Medium to High Density Commercial Activity
High Pedestrian Activity
Multi-modal connections

High-Volume subway stations and numerous bus lines

Demographics

High % of elderly residents

Primary Challenges

High incidence of fatalities

Saving Lives

Re-engineering Queens Boulevard

Beginning in 1997, NYCDOT has been proactive in improving safety on Queens Boulevard

Several initiatives focused on improving the overall safety environment, with a primary focus on pedestrians.

Comprehensive Consultant-led Studies
NYCDOT Initiated Projects

Wide range of improvements

Study Process

Community input and participation
Addressed needs and interests of stakeholders

TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Comprised of various NYCDOT

Divisions and other relevant city agencies

COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Comprised of community organizations

and elected officials

Community Board

Walk-throughs

Public

Comment Forms

and use of DOT website

Project Team

Public Meetings and

Presentations

Ongoing meetings with Elected Officials,

Community Boards and Civic Groups

Pedestrian Safety StudyPhase 1

Consultant-led studies were first initiated in 1997 on a 2 ½ mile stretch of the boulevard.
Starting in 1999 and continuing through 2003, implemented improvements included:

Installation of signalized mid-block crosswalks and high visibility crosswalks
Narrowing of service roads
Installation of pedestrian fencing, extended pedestrian refuge areas, widened medians and other pedestrian amenities
Improved signal operation to reduce speed and upgrade of traffic control devices
Installation of additional red light cameras and unique pedestrian crossing signs

Pedestrian Safety Study Phase 2

Study began in November 2001 on remaining two segments
Early action recommendations were implemented in Winter 2003/Spring 2004:

Leading Pedestrian Intervals
150-second cycle length at all intersections
Full closure of the cross street at 33rd Street
Continued installation of pedestrian fencing
Total of 46,000 linear feet of pedestrian fencing installed

Construction began in summer 2005 to advance capital improvements

Concept to Construction

A Preliminary Design Investigation (PDI) was conducted shortly after the completion of the consultant study
Some of the feasible recommendations went from PDI  Final Design  Construction within one year
Two Phase Capital Construction Program

Phase I

Intersection improvements at 33rd Street and 39th Street Subway Stations (Completed)
Median Extensions/Protection at 52nd and 54th Streets

Phase II

Construction next Spring/Summer

Before

Making a Difference:Early Action Phase II Impacts

Upon completion of Phase II projects, a study was conducted comparing 9 months “before” implementation vs. 9 months “after”

14% reduction in total accidents
50% reduction in fatalities
53% reduction in pedestrian accidents
26% reduction in accidents resulting in an injury
Speeds stabilized within the 30 mph speed limit
Volume did not change significantly

Queens Boulevard Today

Together with the Police Department, NYCDOT has made the Queens Boulevard corridor a significantly safer environment for all users

From inception of the Pedestrian Safety Program, the fatality rate has fallen to 5.3 per year, significantly less than the 11.5 fatalities per year for the previous 7 ½ years
Total yearly accidents have fallen 32% since 1993
Pedestrian accidents remain at record lows, down 34% since 1993