The $1.5 million project was designed in close coordination with local community groups and includes new landscaped pedestrian islands, new crosswalks, a new traffic signal that eliminated a dangerous vehicular conflict on the west side of the plaza and new bicycle routes through the south end of the plaza that connect to nearby bike lanes.
Existing pedestrian islands and sidewalks were reconstructed, enlarged and landscaped while existing pedestrian spaces, including Brooklyn's largest Greenmarket, were enhanced with a crushed gravel surface and protective granite blocks to provide a clear, visible distinction from the roadbed.
"With the completion of this project, we've closed the gap on safety at Grand Army Plaza," DOT commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan said. "This gateway is now just as inviting, safe and accessible as Prospect Park itself, and this process is a great example of how the city is working with communities to make our streets as safe and inviting as they can be, whether you're in a car, on foot or on a bike."
Implementation began in June and continued through October, when pedestrian signals were activated at the new crosswalks.
The changes included:
The city has made several improvements to Grand Army Plaza over the past decade that have dramatically reduced crashes, most recently in 2007 when three concrete islands, five crosswalks and a protected bike path were added to the southeastern section.
The past four years have seen the fewest traffic fatalities in recorded history in New York City, and these improvements at Grand Army Plaza are part of DOT's citywide efforts to reduce serious injuries and cut the number of traffic fatalities in half by 2030 compared to 2007.
Flatbush Avenue and Eastern Parkway are two of the corridors where pedestrian countdown signals will be installed to help pedestrians avoid being caught in the crosswalk when the signal changes.
