Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release 17-014
Friday, March 24, 2017
Scott Gastel/Alana Morales (212) 839-4850

Vision Zero: DOT Unveils New Traffic Signal At Roosevelt Avenue And 90th Street In Jackson Heights

At a Vision Zero priority location and MTA subway stop, NYC DOT has installed a new traffic signal accompanied by two new signalized crosswalks

The New York City Department of Transportation today officially unveiled a brand new traffic signal approved for the busy intersection of Roosevelt Avenue and 90th Street. DOT’s Queens Borough Commissioner Nicole Garcia was joined by State Senator Jose Peralta to make the announcement about the new addition. Following State Senator Peralta’s and community requests for safety improvements, DOT conducted a study in the area and installed a new traffic signal, and crosswalks.

Located at a stop under elevated 7-train, the intersection of Roosevelt Avenue and 90th Street is a Vision Zero priority intersection and both streets are also Vision Zero corridors and lay within a Vision Zero priority area – making this a triple Vision Zero priority location. Among the major changes to the area was a ban on northbound left turns from Elmhurst Avenue onto Roosevelt Avenue. With vehicles no longer queuing for this turn, DOT was able to install two signalized crosswalks at the corner of Roosevelt Avenue and 90th Street, fifty feet away.  The changes bring safety and convenience for pedestrians crossing Roosevelt Avenue.

“DOT is dedicated to making streets as safe as possible, especially along popular commercial corridors that double as transit hubs that serve thousands of people each day,” said Nicole Garcia, NYC DOT Queens Borough Commissioner. “We took a fresh look at this intersection and used valuable feedback from local stakeholders on their experiences trying to cross at this intersection. This new signal, newly installed crosswalks, and modified traffic pattern all combine to make this street safer for everyone.”

“This particular area has a large amount of foot and vehicular traffic, and unfortunately, in the past few years, two area residents were killed after being hit by vehicles as they crossed the street. I applaud DOT for the installation of the new signal at 90th Street, two signalized crosswalks, and banned a left turn northbound on Elmhurst Avenue,” said State Senator Jose Peralta. “It is my hope that these crucial safety improvements will help reduce and eliminate traffic-related injuries. I also want to thank area residents and the community for bringing attention to the busy intersection and the urgent need to redesign it.”

Roosevelt Avenue, from Case Street to Elmhurst Avenue, saw two fatalities in 2013.  The intersection at Roosevelt and Elmhurst Avenues had two severe pedestrian injuries between 2010 and 2014. The installation of the new traffic signal and crosswalks will provide safer conditions for both motorists and pedestrians.

About Vision Zero
In January 2017, after three successive years of declines in traffic fatalities, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced New York City would make an additional $400 million investment in Vision Zero – for a total of $1.6 billion over the next five years. DOT is implementing its most aggressive street redesign safety program, an increased investment in street redesign and traffic-calming measures citywide. Other Vision Zero changes announced by the Mayor include ensuring NYPD crossing guards at every post, faster replacement of street markings, intersection upgrades in the bike-lane network, more left-turn calming efforts, brighter lighting and more equipment at each police precinct to catch speeding.

For more information about the de Blasio Administration’s Vision Zero initiative, please see www.nyc.gov/visionzero.

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