New one-way traffic pattern on 11th Avenue stretches to 57th Street in Midtown
MIDTOWN, Manhattan (WABC) -- Crews began the second phase of construction aimed at easing traffic around the Lincoln Tunnel Monday, converting 11th Avenue to one-way traffic between 52nd and 57th streets.
There was mass confusion when the changes began more than two weeks ago, so officials are hoping to get the message out to drivers in Hell's Kitchen.
They've already started installing signs about the changes, and work to paint over road markings began early Monday.
The initial change was made earlier this month, taking two-way traffic to one-way from 40th to 52nd streets.
When crews changed the first section, it created a mess -- with a slew of drivers saying they didn't know about the change in traffic pattern and that signs were either not posted or put up in the wrong places.
Officers were even writing tickets in what should've been a grace period.
Phase 2 of the project should take about a week.
Later this summer, DOT will install pedestrians islands on the west side of the street in addition to a protected bicycle lane from West 57th Street to West 43rd Street.
The DOT said it had been in constant communication and worked closely with Community Board 4 on the plan, and they have posted new directional information on variable message highway signs placed in the area and near critical thoroughfares entering Manhattan for better communication with drivers.
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