Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release #12-010

Seth Solomonow/Nicole Garcia (212) 839-4850

NYC DOT Announces Signal Improvements, Including Adding Left-turn Phases at Key Staten Island Intersections to Enhance Safety and Improve Mobility

The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) today announced plans to install left-turn signals at the intersections of Victory Boulevard and Slosson Avenue, Manor Road and Rockland Avenue and Forest Hill and Richmond Hill roads, adjustments designed to improve traffic flow and safety. DOT evaluated the locations and approved the left turns based on an analysis of traffic flow in the area, including peak-hour turning movements and crash data. Both directions of Slosson Avenue at Victory Boulevard will receive this treatment, and work is expected to start by May. Left-turn signals will be added to both directions of Forest Hill Road at Richmond Hill Road, and westbound Manor Road onto southbound Rockland Avenue during the summer, as these locations require the installation of new signal poles and supporting infrastructure. This work complements previous and upcoming work across the borough to adapt signal timing so streets work better and are safer for all users. A recent example includes the installation of a leading pedestrian interval at Victory Boulevard and Manor Road, a signal adjustment that reduces pedestrian-vehicle conflicts by providing pedestrians with additional lead time to cross. The new left turns also echo the upcoming installation of turning bays on Hylan Boulevard at Cleveland, Fieldway, Buffalo and Chesterton avenues.

“We are turning a corner on congestion in Staten Island and building on a record year for safety by taking a comprehensive look that improves streets intersection by intersection,” said DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan. “Retiming signals, installing pedestrian countdown signals and other improvements will keep Staten Islanders and business moving forward safer, faster and more efficiently.”

“I have long said that simple engineering fixes are part of the solution when addressing our traffic problems,” said Council Member James Oddo. “Nothing can get simpler than adding left turn signals at appropriate intersections. These left turn signals will make a difference, and I thank Commissioner Sadik-Khan and her team for working with us.”

“Too often, at busy intersections like these, motorists are forced to wait through two or three signal light changes before traffic is clear to make a left turn,” said Council Member Debi Rose. “I’m glad the DOT understands how frustrating this is for motorists and will install left-turn signals at this busy intersection along Victory Boulevard.”

DOT recently announced new milestones in traffic safety citywide and in Staten Island. 2011 marked the safest year in the City’s recorded history, the latest in a decade of unprecedented street-safety improvements. On Staten Island, there were 11 traffic fatalities in 2011, the fewest ever recorded since borough-specific data has been kept, and a 58% decline from the 26 fatalities that occurred in 2010 and 65% fewer than in 2001. These safety gains are a direct result of strategic safety and mobility redesigns that engineer streets so they are safer for everyone using them.

For more information about DOT, visit www.nyc.gov/dot.

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