NYC DOT will update vehicle travel lane marking, implement signal changes, and expand pedestrian space at Court Street and Atlantic Avenue. The split phase traffic signal will allow a green phase for vehicles traveling in one direction, proceeded by a green phase for all vehicles traveling the opposite direction. Vehicle travel lanes will be reassigned to support these signal changes and a painted curb extension will be added for additional pedestrian space. Installation of the traffic signal hardware and timing changes are already in progress with markings and other vertical elements like rubber speed humps and delineators to be implemented later this month.
The agency aims to begin implementation this year for an intersection project that would enhance safety by shortening crossing distance for pedestrians accessing Brooklyn Bridge Park through the separation of vehicle movements from pedestrian movements. These specific upgrades include:
Shortening the crossing distance for pedestrians by building two new concrete pedestrian islands.
Fully separating crossing pedestrians from turning traffic by converting the existing uncontrolled vehicular slip lane from Atlantic Avenue to Columbia Street into a signalized lane.
Adding the southbound right turn from Furman Street to Atlantic Avenue to the signal phasing.
NYC DOT is refining an Atlantic Avenue Curb Access plan that seeks to reduce double parking by vehicles, conflicts between street users, and alleviate traffic congestion. Recommendations are based on extensive community input and captured data along the corridor. Potential solutions are being discussed across the corridor in collaboration with community stakeholders, with a focus on the possible addition of loading zones.
These efforts are part of the larger work NYC DOT is undergoing to enhance safety along Atlantic Avenue, a Vision Zero Great Street and Priority Corridor. NYC DOT and DDC are currently delivering capital upgrades along the eastern portion of the corridor in Brooklyn through the Atlantic Avenue Great Street project. NYC DOT/DDC completed the first phase of this capital work in 2020, between Pennsylvania Avenue and Logan Street. Since the completion, data shows a 39 percent reduction in pedestrian injuries and 14 percent reduction in cyclist injuries. The agencies broke ground on the second phase in 2022. This work will bring raised, planted medians; left turn bays and signals; and a grade-separated bike lane in each direction from Logan Street to Rockaway Boulevard.
Photo: New vehicle travel lane markings at Atlantic Avenue and Court Street
