Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release #17-068
October 12, 2017
Contact: Scott Gastel/Alana Morales (212) 839-4850

Vision Zero: NYC DOT Unveils Pedestrian Safety Improvements to Kappock Street in Spuyten Duyvil

Project along Kappock Street in the Bronx includes new crosswalks, concrete work, new signal phasing and better access to four MTA bus lines

NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) Bronx Borough Commissioner Nivardo Lopez today was joined by Council Member Andrew Cohen, and the Riverdale Senior Center to unveil safety improvements along part of Kappock Street in the Spuyten Duyvil section of the Bronx.

“In a residential area that serves both a school and a senior center, we are proud to unveil major Vision Zero improvements that are a win-win for pedestrians and drivers,” said DOT Bronx Borough Commissioner Nivardo Lopez. “We not only have more pedestrian space, shorter crosswalks, new signal phasing and safer turns with fewer conflicts and more space to protect those who are walking or catching buses here, we also have clearer signals and more parking to benefit those who drive.  We thank Council member Cohen for his support for this critical work.”

“Kappock Street desperately needed safety improvements,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen. “This is an area with heavy pedestrian traffic given its proximity to a school, a senior center, and several local shops. The improvements made by the Department of Transportation benefit pedestrians and drivers with more space for pedestrians, crosswalks that are easier to navigate, new signals and more parking. I thank the Department of Transportation and Borough Commissioner Lopez for their work completing these sorely needed improvements.”

The improvements unveiled today are on Kappock Street between Henry Hudson Parkway East and Netherland Avenue, which between 2010 and 2014 had been the site of two pedestrian and four motor vehicle occupant injuries.  Council Member Cohen and community leaders had requested pedestrian safety changes at what had previously been an irregular and wide intersection that features stops for five different bus routes – as well as a busy vehicular entrance and exit to the Henry Hudson Parkway. DOT added new crosswalks to match previous pedestrian “desire lines.” DOT also added concrete to the pedestrian triangle at Kappock Street and Netherland Avenue, and a concrete sidewalk extension to the corner of Knolls Crescent and Kappock Street to shorten crossing distances.  A new signal phase was also installed northbound on Kappock Street, which reduces turning conflicts by separating movements for vehicles making the right onto Knolls Crescent from the Henry Hudson Parkway exit, as well as from Kappock Street.  Finally, at least five new parking spaces were added at the Henry Hudson Parkway end of Kappock.  

“Between the senior center and Kinnert Day School, Kappock Street has a lot people, young and old, who traverse the street every day,” said Congressman Eliot Engel. “Traffic calming measures at this location are particularly welcome and should help improve traffic safety for pedestrians and motorists alike.”

“The Kappock Street/Knolls Crescent/Netherland Avenue intersections were long among the most dangerous, busy and confusing locations in my district. These changes were long overdue and should make the area safer. I applaud Council Member Cohen and DOT for making this project happen,” said Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz.

NYC DOT also worked with MTA New York City Transit to adjust bus stops to maintain proper traffic flow and safety, including adding a new stop bar and signal at the Bx10/Bx20 stop, which holds all northbound vehicles during the pedestrian signal phase.  Stops for the BxM1/BxM2/BxM18 routes were also moved slightly north of the new crosswalk, with a new concrete space added to accommodate commuters waiting at the new location.

For more information on Vision Zero, please visit www.nyc.gov/visionzero.

Before photo number 1 of the Kappock Street safety improvement project

After photo number 1 of the Kappock Street safety improvement project

Before photo number 2 of the Kappock Street safety improvement project

After photo number 2 of the Kappock Street safety improvement project

Before and After photos of the Kappock Street safety improvement project

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