The city’s Department of Transportation announced today’s it’s adding a mid-block crosswalk and signal on Clinton Street between East Broadway and Grand Street.
Residents have complained about safety in the area for years. Cars come racing up Grand Street on their way to the Williamsburg Bridge, while pedestrians living in the Seward Park Co-op and shoppers visiting the Fine Fare Supermarket routinely cross in the middle of the block. Over the summer, the city installed a protected two-way bike lane and established a new parking lane. After the changes were made, complaints increased.
During a media event on Clinton Street in September, DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg committed to the crosswalk. More details from a news release put out a short time ago:
The DOT joined Frank Durant, General Manager of Seward Park Co-op, and representatives from local elected officials on a walk-through of the block in September, to discuss and observe pedestrian and traffic issues. Following a study of the block that included counts of pedestrians and vehicles, vehicle speeds, crash history, amongst other factors, DOT approved a midblock crosswalk and a signal. Implementation will take place this spring.
Local elected officials praised the decision. There had been some concern that a traffic signal would not be part of the plan, but the city decided to include it in the safety improvements.
This is great news that a signal is being included — thank you!