We mentioned this one in today’s “Morning Reads.’ Now a few more details about the new slow zones being implemented by the city in the coming months. Two of them are on the Lower east Side:
- Bowery between Chatham Square and Cooper Square (a mile mile stretch) – implementation in November
- Houston Street between West Street and Baruch Place (a 2 mile stretch) – implementation in November
More details from the news release DOT put out Friday:
As one of the 63 initiatives part of Vision Zero, Arterial Slow Zones expands the combined efforts of DOT and its partners to prevent traffic fatalities and improve safety on New York City streets. The speed limit at all Slow Zones will be lowered by 5 mph and new distinctive signs and increased enforcement by the NYPD will make for safer streets in New York. Citywide, arterials like these make up only 15 percent of total mileage but have accounted for some 60 percent of pedestrian fatalities. On all Arterial Slow Zones, DOT will update signal timing to maintain mobility, prevent diversions to residential street, while staying consistent with the new speed limit. The locations will also benefit from increased enforcement by the NYPD, with temporary speed boards installed in key locations to alert motorists of the new speed limit. Slow Zone areas will feature distinctive blue-and-white signs with the name of the corridor, complementing the DOT’s existing Neighborhood Slow Zone program.
