Safety enhancements– including shorter crossings and brighter lighting – and infrastructure upgrades were implemented along 1.2. miles of this Vision Zero priority corridor from Pennsylvania Avenue to Logan Street
The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT), NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC), NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently cut the ribbon on the completion of a $48 million project to rebuild a 21-block section of Atlantic Avenue in the East New York and Cypress Hills neighborhoods of Brooklyn. Atlantic Avenue is both among New York City’s Great Streets as well as a Vision Zero priority corridor, prioritized for major infrastructure improvements and safety enhancements
The project is the first Great Streets project to be completed in the City. Construction began in September 2017 and was projected to be completed in winter 2020/21, but was completed six months ahead of schedule.
Between 2010 and 2014, this portion of Atlantic Avenue saw more than 1,180 injuries and three deaths. Among many improvements, DDC installed 9,500 square feet of new reinforced concrete curbs along new raised medians that now includes left turn bays to calm traffic and reduce weaving by vehicles. Eighteen separate curb extensions were installed to shorten the distance for pedestrians to cross the street.
Approximately 55,000 square yards of roadway was repaved and new high-visibility crosswalks and markings were placed. New traffic signals and signs have been installed along the entire corridor. At the intersections of Norwood Avenue, Cleveland Street and Van Siclen Avenue, new depressions and pedestrian ramps were installed in the median.
To increase water infrastructure reliability, 8,500 feet of old water mains were replaced. Seventeen catch basins were replaced and one catch basin was newly installed to better capture storm water and reduce flooding. Fire protection was enhanced with the replacement of 27 fire hydrants and the installation of two new ones and six call boxes to contact the FDNY and NYPD were added.
To help insulate the Long Island Rail Road tunnel that runs beneath the street from flooding, 26 vent shafts were repaired and reconstructed with new structural grating. Nine City benches were newly installed near bus stops. Ten WalkNYC signs will help pedestrians navigate more easily through the area.
As part of the final street restoration, 10,900 feet of sidewalk curbs were replaced, 13,500 square yards of sidewalk were reconstructed and 2,300 square feet of sidewalks were created adjacent to the 23 cut throughs in the median. Throughout the project area, 23 trees were removed, 80 new trees were installed and 28,000 shrubs and low plants are being planted. Approximately 55,000 square yards of roadway was repaved.
On the median and at various intersections, a total of 107 pedestrian ramps were replaced and 60 pedestrian ramps were newly installed to improve accessibility in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Funding for this phase of the project came from the City, Assemblyman Erik M. Dilan during his time as a City Council Member, the Neighborhood Development Fund, the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, the New York State Department of Transportation and the Long Island Rail Road. DDC managed the project and the general contractor was Tully Construction Co. Inc. The second phase of the project, from Logan Street to Rockaway Boulevard is anticipated to begin later this year.
Subscribe to EastNewYork.com for updates on development, housing, politics, health, COVID-19 and events.
