Press Releases

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release #19-081
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Contact: Scott Gastel/Lolita Avila (212) 839-4850

Vision Zero: NYC DOT and City Council Speaker Johnson Cut Ribbon on Major Safety Improvements Along 8th Avenue Near Port Authority Bus Terminal

On 8th Avenue from 38th to 45th Street, where pedestrians account for 85% of roadway users, DOT has expanded pedestrian space to reduce overcrowding; New traffic configuration also closes previous two-block gap in 8th Avenue’s protected bike lane

Today, New York City Department of Transportation Manhattan Borough Commissioner Ed Pincar joined City Council Speaker Corey Johnson in celebration of improvements along 8th Avenue in Midtown Manhattan near the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Pedestrians account for 85% of the road users along 8th Avenue from 38th to 45th Street but had been previously confined to just 30% of the space. In addition to widening pedestrian space as part of the project, DOT also closed a two-block gap in the 8th Avenue protected bicycle lane.

"New York City’s sidewalk and road space are precious, and DOT is constantly finding ways to make our public spaces work more harmoniously for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles," said DOT Manhattan Borough Commissioner Ed Pincar. "By giving pedestrians a full half of the space along 8th Avenue, this project is a prime example of how we can rebalance our streets and efficiently allocate space for those who need it and use it the most."

"This is an example of how city government and the community can work together to make our streets and sidewalks safer for everyone," said City Council Speaker Corey Johnson. "Community Board 4 and my office have advocated for years to make this dangerous corridor along Eighth Avenue safer, and I thank the Department of Transportation for taking action to help address these issues with these upgrades that will help keep New Yorkers safe."

The project, completed this fall in coordination with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, includes the elimination of the left turn from 8th Avenue on to 42 Street and the installation of painted sidewalk extensions and curb extensions to reduce pedestrian crowding. DOT also filled a gap in the protected bike lane network from 39th to 42nd Street and relocated a taxi boarding island for the Port Authority Bus Terminal to reduce bike/taxi conflicts.

"Ensuring the safety of the 260,000 daily customers who use our midtown bus terminal each day -- many of whom walk and ride to and from the facility -- is of paramount importance to us," said Port Authority Director for Tunnels, Bridges and Terminals Diannae Ehler. "This collaboration with NYCDOT, Community Board 4, and Speaker Johnson will make this heavily traveled city artery and the neighborhood around the Bus Terminal safer for pedestrians and cyclists."

The project area is a key corridor connecting pedestrians to Penn Station and the Port Authority Bus Terminal. It is also a key commercial corridor and in close proximity to many major subway stops. 8th Ave is a Vision Zero Priority Corridor. The intersections at 40th St and 42nd St are also Vision Zero Priority Intersections.

"I applaud the NYC DOT and Speaker Johnson for completing major safety improvements along 8th Avenue, and for their commitment to making NYC more pedestrian friendly," said Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney. "The investment in wider pedestrian space will reduce overcrowding along 8th Avenue, and will also help the area work better for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles. I look forward to seeing the City continue its commitment to improvements for commuters and pedestrians throughout New York City."

"Each year, more than 65 million people pass through the Port Authority Bus Terminal," said State Senator Brad Hoylman. "We need to ensure these travelers can arrive safely on foot or by bike. I'm proud to join DOT Borough Commissioner Pincar and Speaker Johnson to celebrate these new pedestrian improvements and bike lane extensions, which are a much-needed safety improvement for this area."

"The City's Department of Transportation is working hard to make sure our pedestrians and cyclists are safer than ever," said State Senator Robert Jackson. "These improvements in the southern reaches of my district around Port Authority Bus Terminal will go a long way to reducing the risk of injury or fatality to our walkers and bikers and improving the flow of traffic for all. I'm grateful for their work!"

"These improvements along Eighth Avenue have returned valuable street space to pedestrians, who use it most." said Assembly Member Richard Gottfried. "By realigning who our streets prioritize we are prioritizing safety in our streets."

"Manhattan Community Board 4, residents, and hundreds of thousand bus terminal users applaud the new configuration along 8th Avenue" said Christine Berthet, Co-Chair of the MCB4’s Transportation Planning Committee. "The design doubles the sidewalk width, fully protects intersections, and makes the bike lanes safer. NYC DOT’S Pedestrian Unit delivered an outstanding solution to a very complex problem. We look forward to many more such projects in the CB4 area."

"New York’s bike riders love the robust barrier and continuous protected lane NYC DOT recently installed along 8th Avenue at the Port Authority Bus Terminal, said Jon Orcutt, Director of Communications at Bike New York. We believe the design represents the Gold Standard in bikeway separation from traffic, and can’t wait to see it replicated around town."

"Today, New York City fills a small, but meaningful gap in the city's bicycle and pedestrian network. By taking critical action on this important corridor, our city sends the message that people, not traffic are the priority" said Erwin Figueroa, Senior Organizer at Transportation Alternatives. "We thank Council Speaker Corey Johnson, Manhattan Borough Commissioner Ed Pincar, the NYC Department of Transportation, and other partners who helped to advance this significant win for the residents of New York City."

"As someone who has ridden a bike along this formerly treacherous (and sometimes terrifying) stretch of 8th Avenue, and who frequently navigates the intensely packed — and sometimes hazardous — sidewalks and subway entrances along this corridor, I thank both Speaker Johnson and DOT Commissioner Trottenberg for their leadership in making the city safer through sensible and smart transportation policy," said Tim Tompkins, President of the Times Square Alliance.

"We applaud the New York City Department of Transportation’s initiatives to address pedestrian congestion in our central business district," said Barbara A. Blair, President of the Garment District Alliance. "With the tremendous growth in jobs, hotels and visitors in the Garment District, it is critically important to embrace changes in our public realm by increasing sidewalk space and cycling mobility."

About Vision Zero:

Vision Zero is the de Blasio administration’s initiative to use every tool at its disposal to end traffic deaths and injuries on New York City streets. In 2018, New York City experienced its safest year on record with the fifth straight year of fatality declines. Since the program’s inaugural year in 2014, when New York City became the first American city to adopt Vision Zero, the city’s traffic fatalities have declined more than 30 percent — bucking national fatality trends, which have increased 15 percent over the same period.

For more information about the de Blasio Administration’s Vision Zero initiative, please see ww.nyc.gov/visionzero.

8th Avenue and 14th Street