DOT, DDC Begin Atlantic Avenue Safety Improvements | NYC DDC

Department of Design and Construction

Building for you


About DDCNewsContact


DOT, DDC Begin Atlantic Avenue Safety Improvements

May 4, 2018

Contact:
Dan Leibel
718-391-1251

Brooklyn, NY – NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) Brooklyn Boro Commissioner Keith Bray and NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Deputy Commissioner for Infrastructure Eric MacFarlane joined Councilmember Rafael Espinal and State Assemblyman Erik M. Dilan today to mark the beginning of a $37 million project to bring improvements consistent with Mayor de Blasio’s Vision Zero plan to a 23-block section of Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, from Logan Street to Georgia Avenue.

City officials and community members break ground on an infrastructure project that will improve the safety of Atlantic Avenue

From 2010 to 2014 there were over 1,180 injuries and three deaths recorded in this 1.2 mile stretch. To reduce these incidents, the project will expand roadway medians and extend curbs at various intersections to effectively shorten the distance and decrease the amount of time it takes pedestrians to cross the street. New left turn bays will also be constructed to provide drivers a safe way to make turns while reducing the risk of lane-change crashes. New sidewalks and high visibility crosswalks will also be added, and new traffic markings will eliminate several dangerous left turns along the route.

The project will also see the modifications of traffic signals to help limit speeding. Beneath the avenue, over 10,000 feet of cast iron water mains built prior to 1970 will be replaced with new mains. Over 800 feet of sewer lines will be replaced as well. Twenty new catch basins will be installed along with new benches and wayfinding signs. Once the project is complete, 153 new trees will be planted to provide fresh green space for future generations.

Proposed Vision Zero changes to Atlantic Avenue will improve pedestrian safety and calm traffic

“DOT’s work with DDC will make conditions safer for everyone who travels along this part of Atlantic Avenue, which is not only a crucial connector for Brooklyn, but also a Vision Zero Great Street and Priority Corridor,” said DOT Brooklyn Borough Commissioner Keith Bray. “We thank all of the elected officials who have worked for and helped fund these safety enhancements, including Borough President Adams, Congresswoman Velazquez, State Senators Dilan and Persaud, Assembly Member Walker, and Council Member Espinal.”

“DDC has worked with DOT to successfully improve safety at numerous locations throughout the City, including Jackson Avenue in Queens and Grand Concourse in the Bronx, where crashes with injuries have dropped by over one-third since similar improvements were completed,” said DDC Acting Commissioner Ana Barrio. “Users of Atlantic Avenue will welcome the changes.”

“This is a monumental moment for the Cypress Hills and East New York Community,” said NYC Council Member Rafael Espinal. “Atlantic Avenue has been a blight in our community that has been unsafe for motorists and pedestrians, while serving as a barrier between the two communities. This upgrade, thanks to our advocacy through the ENY Rezoning Plan, will finally help bridge the communities and make it easier and safer for commuters in this neighborhood. I am proud to join DDC, DOT and my elected colleagues in announcing the groundbreaking on these crucial renovations.”

“For too long, this busy stretch of Atlantic Ave. has been plagued by harrowing and tragic accidents. I am proud to support these new safety improvements which will protect pedestrians, cyclists and drivers alike. I applaud DOT, DDC and all those involved for their dedication to securing the resources to make this construction a reality. We must work at all levels of government to support traffic improvements, which is why I have introduced federal legislation to fund transportation alternatives during times of significant reconstruction,” said U.S. Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez.

“The Atlantic Avenue improvement project is a welcomed investment. The pedestrian and cyclist safety and upgrades alone will have profound effects. However, the entirety of the project will have a lasting impact blocks beyond the mile-long stretch. The water, sewer and surface water upgrades are long overdue. The greening of spaces is a welcomed addition. The project is as much an investment in the quality of life in Cypress Hills, than it is infrastructure improvements,” said NY State Senator Martin Malavé Dilan.

These Atlantic Avenue safety enhancements are the beginning of a more than a more than $80M Vision Zero Great Streets capital project. City funding came from the Mayor, from Assembly Member Erik M. Dilan during his time as a Council member. Funding also came from Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and the Neighborhood Development Fund as part of the East New York rezoning. Further support came from the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration.

The project is expected to be completed by winter 2020. It will also include new benches and greenery along the walkway. The contractor for the project is Tully Construction.

About the NYC Department of Design and Construction
The Department of Design and Construction is the City’s primary capital construction project manager. In supporting Mayor de Blasio’s long-term vision of growth, sustainability, resiliency, equity and healthy living, DDC provides communities with new or renovated public buildings such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, and new or upgraded roads, sewers and water mains in all five boroughs. To manage this $13 billion portfolio, DDC partners with other City agencies, architects and consultants, whose experience bring efficient, innovative and environmentally-conscious design and construction strategies to City projects. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/ddc.