Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that work is underway on an $8.5 million project to enhance pedestrian and bicyclist safety and mobility along Ocean Parkway between the Prospect Expressway and Shore (Belt) Parkway.
“Creating a safer Ocean Parkway will benefit neighborhoods and families throughout Brooklyn – and ultimately help save lives,” said Cuomo. “Every day, nearly 45,000 vehicles and thousands of bicyclists and pedestrians rely on Ocean Parkway. They deserve a roadway that is safely designed and constructed, and this project will ensure a safer route for all.”
The project safety features include:
· Implementing no-left-turns from the service road at 9 intersections: Avenue C, Cortelyou Road, Ditmas Avenue, 18th Avenue, Avenue I, Avenue J, Avenue P, Kings Highway and Avenue U.
· Replacing six stop signs with traffic signals on the service road at the following locations: Avenue C, 18th Avenue, Bay Parkway, Avenue J, Avenue P and Kings Highway.
· Reconstructing 177 pedestrian ramps, including at the following high incident locations: Avenue C, Cortelyou, Ditmas Avenue, 18th Avenue, Avenue I, Bay Parkway, Avenue J, Avenue P, Kings Highway, and Avenue U. Ramps will be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
· Installing 159 countdown pedestrian signals, including at the following high incident locations: Avenue C, Cortelyou, Ditmas Avenue, 18th Avenue, Avenue I, Bay Parkway, Avenue J, Avenue P, Kings Highway, and Avenue U.
· Installing speed display signs at the following locations in each direction, for a total of six signs: between Avenue F and Ditmas Avenue, between Elwood Avenue and Avenue H, and at Avenue K.
· Upgrading the pavement markings and installing high visibility crosswalks at the following high incident locations: Avenue C, Cortelyou, Ditmas Avenue, 18th Avenue, Avenue I, Bay Parkway, Avenue J, Avenue P, Kings Highway, and Avenue U.
· Upgrading the traffic signs at the following high incident locations: Avenue C, Cortelyou, Ditmas Avenue, 18th Avenue, Avenue I, Bay Parkway, Avenue J, Avenue P, Kings Highway, and Avenue U.
Construction is scheduled to be completed by fall 2017.
Senator Charles E. Schumer said, “Ocean Parkway is an emerald corridor that is the lifeblood of countless Brooklyn neighborhoods and millions in federal funds is just what the doctor ordered to make this vital pathway safer and more user-friendly for walkers, joggers and bikers.”
Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke said, “Building and maintaining infrastructure is critical to sustaining the continued growth and development of New York City. The recent allocation of 8.5 million dollars by the New York State Department of Transportation to improve driver, pedestrian and cyclist mobility and safety along Ocean Parkway is a step in the right direction. As a major Brooklyn throughway, Ocean Parkway serves thousands of Brooklyn residents on a daily basis. The instillation of pedestrian and traffic signals, speed display signs, ramps, and other needed upgrades will make travel safer for all and I applaud the Cuomo administration and NYSDOT for prioritizing this effort.”
State Senator Martin J. Golden said, “Ocean Parkway is an important thoroughfare for vehicular traffic in South Brooklyn. Therefore, I want to thank Governor Andrew Cuomo and the NYS Department of Transportation for moving forward with their multi-phase improvement plan for Ocean Parkway. I am confident that this project will improve travel times and alleviate congestion along this main road.”
State Senator Simcha Felder said, “There’s nothing more important than addressing safety issues, so the start of this much-needed construction project on Ocean Parkway is welcomed news. Our district also looks forward to the speed limit returning to a sensible 35 mph on Ocean Parkway. I applaud Governor Cuomo for following through on this project, which will increase safety and mobility for our residents.”
Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz said, “With its unique design inspired by the tranquil boulevards of Paris back in the mid-1800s, Ocean Parkway was never intended to be a speedway. This long-awaited project will not only accomplish the goal of making the thoroughfare safer and more manageable for cars, but it will also allow pedestrians to stroll, sit on the benches and cross the street without fear. This is a right, not a luxury, and it is one that this initiative will at last make possible.”
State Senator Diane J. Savino said, “I’m thrilled that the State Department of Transportation heard the concerns, and worked with the local elected officials and Community Boards to improve public safety and traffic safety on Ocean Parkway. More than just a road, it is a heavily traversed extension of communities in Brooklyn.”
Assemblyman Dov Hikind said, “I applaud Governor Cuomo for his continued support on such a great initiative. I’m happy to be part of this project that will greatly improve pedestrian safety and traffic flow along Ocean Parkway.”
The contractor for this project is Tully Construction Co Inc. of Flushing, New York.
In a separate contract for approximately $6.7 million, which is scheduled to be released for bidding in December 2016, NYSDOT will resurface with asphalt and install new pavement markings on Ocean Parkway between Prospect Expressway and Shore (Belt) Parkway.
