Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release #17-009
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
Scott Gastel/Alana Morales (212) 839-4850

DOT Announces Southbound Main Street Between 37th Avenue and 40th Road in Flushing Will Become Bus and Local Delivery Only During Sidewalk Widening Work

Mitigation will accompany important sidewalk widening along one of the busiest pedestrian corridors in the city

The New York City Department of Transportation today announced that Flushing’s Main Street in the southbound direction between 37th Avenue and 40th Road will be limited to buses and local deliveries to mitigate traffic effects related to DOT and DDC’s Main Street reconstruction project, announced last July. The sidewalk widening component of construction is expected to begin later this month, creating the need to preserve access for public transit and trucks. As a result, southbound limited-access Main Street is in effect 24 hours a day as of March 7th, 2017, and will remain in place until further notice.

In its first reconstruction in over 20 years, Main Street will be resurfaced, and will have its sidewalks widened from 38th Avenue to 41st Avenue to reduce crowding and facilitate pedestrian movement. The $7.8 million project will also replace manholes, fire hydrants, sewers, catch basins, and water mains, upgrading important infrastructure in downtown Flushing.

“We appreciate the support and patience of the local community as this vital street reconstruction is underway,” said Nicole Garcia, NYC DOT Queens Borough Commissioner. “As a vibrant commercial corridor and key transit hub, the vast majority of people traveling along Main Street in this area are either walking or are taking transit. This limited-access street helps ensure that the Downtown Flushing core functions as well as possible for the most number of people during construction. By limiting traffic, we enhance safety for pedestrians through a work zone, keep bus service moving even during this construction, and enable businesses to get their deliveries.”

“This week kicks off the beginning of the most difficult phase of the Main Street reconstruction and sidewalk widening when southbound traffic will be restricted between 37th Avenue and 40th Road,” said Council Member Peter Koo. “While construction is ongoing, I encourage the community use public transportation when possible and budget ample time for your commute. Restricting traffic on Main Street will cause some short term pains during construction, but the long-term benefits will include the first large-scale infrastructure improvement to Main Street in decades, including a desperately needed sidewalk widening. From commuters to businesses, the ultimate goal of this reconstruction is to improve the experience for everyone who relies on Main Street.”

As a result of this new configuration, all other southbound vehicles are expected to use alternatives routes, and follow the regulations specified on the on-street signage. DOT, DDC, and NYPD are working together to put in place temporary electronic signs and traffic enforcement agents at key decision points in the area to assist motorists with the changes. The local NYPD precinct will focus on educational reinforcement until March 20, 2017, as motorists acclimate to the new traffic pattern.

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