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DOT Library

The publications on this page are PDF files. Please note that some files are extensive and may take a significant amount of time to download.

Sustainable Streets: DOT's Strategic Plan

In the Spring of 2008, DOT released Sustainable Streets, the agency's strategic plan. The plan laid out, for the first time ever, a clear and detailed transportation policy for New York City — one that promised a new direction. DOT is delivering on the promises of its plan, and is moving forward on every one of the 164 actions committed to in Sustainable Streets. This annual update of the plan reports on that progress, and serves as a focal point for meeting targets and sustaining momentum across all of our Agency’s programs. It also sets forth new goals that have emerged during the past year, ranging from development of an internal DOT car-sharing system to further reduce DOT’s fleet, parking needs and miles driven, to issuing a request for proposals to establish a large scale public bicycle system in New York, similar to those in Paris and other cities. Complete plan (screen resolution pdf)

Sustainable Streets Index

ssi cover

Together with the DOT strategic plan, the Sustainable Streets Index allows the agency to implement more performance-driven transportation policy, geared toward achieving the sustainability, mobility, infrastructure and quality of life goals set forth in Mayor Bloomberg's PlaNYC 2030 initiative.

The Sustainable Streets Index provides data on recent trends in traffic, parking, travel and safety. It also includes a section on "project indicators", an assessment of 11 major DOT projects completed by the end of 2009. This assessment covers the impacts on safety, usage for motor vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians, bus riders and/or travel times in the project areas. Visit the Sustainable Streets Index page to download the report.

Sustainable Streets 2009 Progress Report

DOT launched numerous new projects and initiatives in the first year after the strategic plan, and saw positive transportation results in many areas. Download the Complete 2009 Update (screen resolution pdf)

Policy Documents and Reports

Measuring the Street

Cities need to set new goals for their streets to meet the needs of a growing population and to address vehicle crashes, traffic congestion, under-performing bus and bike networks, and environments that are inhospitable for pedestrians. The projects described in this report demonstrate how New York has been able to transform its streets by blending new technologies with time-tested tools. The metrics shown in the report are used to measure success and inform the design of future projects. Download Measuring the Street (pdf)

Urban Street Design Guide

The Urban Street Design Guide is a published by National Association of City Transportation Officials, or NACTO. It documents the design principles and strategies that the nation���s largest cities are adopting to confront new and growing demands on their streets. From Bus Rapid Transit to bikeways and public seating, the Guide showcases a new model for streets that work better for people, bikes, transit and cities. Download the guide (pdf)

New York City Pedestrian Safety and Action Plan

Ped Safety Report Cover

This landmark study is the largest of its kind ever undertaken by a U.S. city. Researchers analyzed over 7,000 crash records of to identify the causes, common factors and geographic distribution of pedestrian crashes in New York City. DOT aims to cut all traffic fatalities in half by 2030 (over 2007 levels), and pedestrians accounted for 52% of all traffic fatalities from 2005-2009. DOT will use this data to inform future projects, as outlined in the Action Plan portion of the report Visit the Pedestrian Safety and Action Plan page and download the report (August 2010).

New York City's Green Dividend

Because New Yorkers drive substantially less than the average American, they realize a staggering $19 billion in savings each year—money that their counterparts in other metro areas spend on auto-related expenses. And because they spend so much less on cars and gasoline—money that quickly leaves the local economy - New Yorkers have much more purchasing power to spend locally, stimulating the city's economy. This is New York City's Green Dividend. Read the full report by CEOs for Cities.

High Pedestrian Crash Locations: Pedestrian Safety Improvements at the Top 20 Intersections

This report, in response to Local Law 11, addresses DOT's ongoing commitment to improve safety at high pedestrian crash locations. The law requires DOT to identify the twenty highest crash locations based upon a ranking of the total number of crashes involving pedestrians. The number of locations in each borough is based on the proportion of citywide pedestrian injuries by borough. Safety improvements have been recently implemented at all, with additional improvements scheduled for the near future. Download the 2010 report (pdf) Download the 2009 report (pdf) Download the 2008 report (pdf) Download the 2007 edition (pdf)

Active Design Guidelines

Active Design Guidelines

The Active Design Guidelines are the City's first publication to focus on designers' role in tackling one of the most urgent health crises of our day: obesity and related diseases including diabetes. The Guidelines were developed by a partnership of City agencies, working with leading architects and planners, to complement other City publications, such as the DDC's series of handbooks for architects and urban designers and DOT's Street Design Manual. The Guidelines are part of the vision of a more livable and hospitable NYC promoted in Mayor Bloomberg's Design + Construction Excellence Initiative. The goal of the Guidelines is to make New York City an even greater place to live, by creating an environment that enables all city residents to incorporate healthy activity into their daily lives. Visit the Active Design Guidelines website

Greenlight: Sustainable Street Lighting for NYC

Sustainable Street Lighting for NYC

DOT operates the largest municipal street-lighting system in the country, with 262,000 lights on City streets, bridges and underpasses, 12,000 in parks and 26,000 on highways. In 2009, DOT tested LED lighting on streets and sidewalks in Central Park and along the FDR Drive. DOT is partnering with the US Department of Energy and the Climate Group to develop an LED pilot program for new technologies that will further reduce the City's greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency. Data collected from New York City's LED installations will quantify the performance of LEDs and assist other cities interested in the conversion to LED fixtures. This report provides more background on the current state of DOT's program and efforts to make it an international leader in green lighting. Download the report Read the press release

Street Design Manual

The New York City Street Design Manual provides policies and design guidelines to city agencies, design professionals, private developers and community groups for the improvement of streets and sidewalks throughout the five boroughs. It is intended to serve as a comprehensive resource for promoting higher quality street designs and more efficient project implementation. Learn more about the manual

Safe Streets NYC: Traffic Safety Improvements in New York City

DOT has accelerated its efforts to improve pedestrian and traffic safety at locations that have repeatedly been the site of traffic or pedestrian-related crashes. These efforts have sharply reduced the number of traffic-related crashes and fatalities, which are now at historic lows. This document details DOT projects and results in all five boroughs. Citywide Projects, Introduction, Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island (January 2009) Past Safe Streets Reports: 2007, 2006 , 2005

World Class Streets: Remaking New York City's Public Realm

A summary of DOT's public realm strategies, as part of the agency's efforts to place New York City at the forefront of urban development. This report is grounded in the findings from a Public Space/Public Life Survey conducted by world-renowned Gehl Architects/Urban Quality Consultants in Fall, 2007. Download best version for on-screen Download best version for printing

Sustainable Streets: Strategic Plan for 2008 and Beyond

Sustainable Streets, DOT's strategic plan, brings a green approach to transportation that will simultaneously ease travel conditions in our growing city while squarely facing the problem of climate change and improving the city's quality of life. Read the report (April 2008)

Reauthorization of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21)

This report describes the City's accomplishments using Federal transportation funding and lays out a plan for future use of these funds. Download the report (February 2003)

Rules for Traffic and Street Furniture

New York City Traffic Rules

Include rules on traffic signals, pedestrians, restrictions on turns, speed restrictions and rules for parking, stopping, and standing. The rules also cover buses, taxis and for-hire vehicles, truck routes, parkways, limitations on dimensions and weight of vehicles, and other information. Learn more about the Traffic Rules

New York City Highway Rules

Including permits for street construction, fee schedules, permits for street furniture, and requirements for sidewalk, curb, and roadway work. Learn more about the Highway Rules

Street Furniture and Street Lighting Rules

Revocable Consents

Find out more about the process for granting revocable consents, needed if you intend to install a structure on, under or over a City street or sidewalk.

Newsracks Rules

DOT has enacted rules regulating the placement, installation, and maintenance of newsracks on City sidewalks.

Distinctive Street Lighting

If you're searching for an alternative to standard New York City Street Lighting, DOT's Street Lighting Catalogue contains the Distinctive Street Lighting lampposts and luminaires that meet DOT's standards and are appropriate for use on the City's streets. Learn more about distinctive street lighting

Project Reports

Commercial Bicyclist Outreach Summary

This report outlines DOT's efforts to promote safety for commercial bicyclists with the nation���s largest commercial cycling education and safety campaign. DOT went door-to-door to advise businesses, hosted forums for delivery cyclists, and produced multilingual informational material for owners and employees. Download the report (pdf) Learn more about commercial bicyclist safety

NYC Bike Share: Designed by New Yorkers

In preparation for the arrival of New York's newest travel option, bike share, DOT undertook an unprecedented public planning process. This report documents the community participation, which took the form of community board meetings, online suggestions, consultation with elected officals, and demonstration events. Download the report (pdf)

Downtown Flushing Mobility & Safety Improvement Project Evaluation

Downtown Flushing is a thriving community with a dense concentration of businesses and residences and one of the largest intermodal transportation hubs in New York City. The area's sidewalks are overcrowded and the traffic network is clogged. Moreover, certain intersections have proven to be problematic for both pedestrians and vehicles, particularly Union Street and Northern Boulevard, which had the highest number of pedestrian accidents in the entire borough in 2009.

DOT, working with elected officials, Community Board 7, local businesses, MTA and New York City Economic Development Corporation, developed a pilot program to improve mobility and safety for everyone on the streets of Flushing—pedestrians, transit riders and motorists.

In July 2010, DOT implemented a pilot program of to modify traffic and pedestrian flows. This report evaluates the efficacy of those changes. Download the Downtown Flushing Mobility & Safety Improvement Project Evaluation (pdf)

Reduced School Speed Limit Study

Results of a pilot study conducted by DOT to determine the efficacy of reduced speed zones (with 20mph reduced speed limit signs accompanied by flashing beacons that operate during school hours) in reducing vehicle speeds around schools. Download the report (June 2008)

Court Street Signal Modification Analysis

In response to community concerns about traffic speeds and pedestrian safety on Court Street in Brooklyn, the Department modified traffic signals, which resulted in reduced vehicle speed and more opportunities for pedestrians to cross Court Street. Download the report (June 2005)

Downtown Brooklyn Traffic Calming Report

This report discusses strategies to mitigate traffic impacts in Downtown Brooklyn. Download the report (June 2004)

Transportation Studies

City Island Transportation Study

This study assessed existing and future traffic conditions on City Island and the surrounding area (Orchard Beach and the northern parts of Pelham Bay Park), and was made at the request of the Bronx Community Board 10. The study recommends several measures to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and enhance safety in the study area. Download the study (pdf) (2013)

Maspeth Bypass and Intersection Normalization

DOT is examining traffic flow in Maspeth, Queens, with a particular focus on the movement of trucks. The study's findings are helping DOT to improve traffic circulation and enhance safety in the industrial and residential neighborhoods bounded by Grand Avenue, the Long Island Expressway (I-495) and the Brooklyn Queens Expressway (I-278). Learn more

Parking Conditions Study for Yankee Stadium and Atlantic Yards

This report presents findings from parking studies conducted in the fall of 2011 around Yankee Stadium in the Bronx and Atlantic Yards in Brooklyn. The study examined the implications of different approaches to curb management generally and a residential parking permit program in particular. This report provides a comprehensive assessment of parking conditions in these areas as a basis for public discussion and future planning. Download the study (pdf) (July 2012)

Bowery Houston Bleecker Transportation Study

DOT conducted this study in response to community requests to find ways to address congestion, safety, and late night weekend activities that were affecting the quality of life of residents. The objective of the study is to address these community concerns and improve the traffic conditions for all street users. Download Technical Memorandum 1, an analysis of existing conditions (pdf)

Harlem-Morningside Heights Transportation Study

This study was a collaboration between DOT and the Department of City Planning, conducted in response to community concerns about development trends, increased congestion and changes in neighborhood character. The purpose of the study was to assess current and future land use development, transportation needs and traffic congestion in the area. The Final Report (2015 Future Conditions and Recommendations) presents a comprehensive analysis of traffic conditions and recommends traffic improvement measures to alleviate congestion as well as improve mobility and safety for all street users. Download the Draft Final Report (pdf)

Northern Brownsville Transportation Study

DOT conducted this study at the request of Brooklyn Community Board 16 to address congestion, parking and safety for all street users. The study examined traffic congestion, circulation, parking demand and supply as well as safety in the area. The study recommends measures to improve traffic operations, relieve congestion, and safety. It also recommends loading/unloading zones along Pitkin Avenue commercial strip. Download the study (pdf)

Red Hook Streetcar Feasibility Study

DOT conducted this study to determine the feasibility of a running a streetcar route in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Red Hook. The study was funded through a Federal Transit Administration grant secured by U.S. Representative Nydia Velázquez and has long had the support of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. The study was completed in September 2011. Learn more about the study

Downtown Brooklyn Surface Transit Circulation Study

The Downtown Brooklyn Surface Transit Circulation Study evaluated existing surface transit routes in Downtown Brooklyn and the potential for new or modified services. The goal of the study was to maximize the effectiveness of Downtown Brooklyn's surface transit network. The study was completed in August 2011. Learn more about the study

Downtown Brooklyn Transportation Blueprint

The Downtown Brooklyn Transportation Blueprint was initiated in response to the City's 2004 rezoning of downtown Brooklyn and major developments such as Atlantic Yards and Brooklyn Bridge Park. Despite Downtown Brooklyn's excellent mass transit access, the area suffered from roadway congestion. The success of future projects depends on maintaining access and mobility and continuing to improve safety and health. The blueprint lays out a comprehensive set of multi-modal transportation treatments and innovations that can be implemented as needed over time to address existing congestion and the needs of future growth. Download the Blueprint Technical Memorandum (part I, part II) Download the project fact sheets (pdf) Download the implementation framework (pdf)

Park Slope Alternate Side Parking Suspension Study

During the Summer of 2008, DOT suspended alternate side parking (ASP) in Park Slope. This study finds the suspension caused minimal impact on traffic and parking conditions in that neighborhood. (December 2008)

Placard Parking Usage in Lower Manhattan

The New York City Economic Development Corporation and DOT commissioned this study to understand how placards are used in Lower Manhattan and assess the availability of curb frontage relative to placard activity.

The streets of Lower Manhattan are a valuable public asset where different user groups compete for limited road space. Curbside parking spaces are highly valued and competition for those few spaces is fierce. A significant portion of the more than 1,300 block faces of curb frontage is allocated to authorized users–vehicles with agency placards displayed in their windshield that permit them to park in designated areas.

The results of this study, published in January 2008, are intended to help the City accurately consider existing policies in the context of the future of the Lower Manhattan street network. This study was made possible in part by a grant from the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, which is funded through Community Development Block Grants from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Executive Summary Final Report Appendix 1A, Appendix 1B, Appendix 2, Appendix 3

College Point Transportation Study

DOT conducted the College Point Transportation Study to address community concerns related to traffic and transportation issues arising from new large scale commercial retail developments on the peninsula. Major recommended improvements that have been completed include widening Linden Place at the Whitestone Expressway, widening 20th Avenue between Whitestone Expressway and Parsons Boulevard, creating free flow U-turns between the Whitestone Expressway Service Roads at Linden Place and at College Point Boulevard, and constructing a pedestrian underpass under the Whitestone Expressway at Linden Place. Major future improvements include extending Linden Place from 28th Avenue to 20th Avenue and improving the connections between the commercial retail centers located on 28th and 20th Avenues. Download the report (pdf) (December 2006) Download a summary of the report (pdf)

Ridgewood Transportation Planning Study

The Ridgewood Transportation Planning Study area is located on the Brooklyn/Queens border. The goal of the study is to assess the existing and future traffic and transportation conditions, identify any problems and generate recommendations to develop a package of improvement measures to accommodate future transportation needs. Executive Summary, Introduction, and Demographic Analysis, Land Use and Zoning, Traffic and Transportation, Public Transportation, Safety Analysis, Conclusion (March 2007)

Coney Island/Gravesend Sustainable Development Transportation Study

Initiated by DOT in response to community concerns about the increase in traffic congestion and the safety of motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists this study links transportation with land use while emphasizing sustainability. Download the report (May 2004)

Central Park

Closure of Central Park and Prospect Park Park Drives

Report on the pilot project to further limit the number of hours that motor vehicles can utilize the park drives of both Central Park and Prospect Park. The goal of this project was to minimize potential conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians in the parks and to provide additional space for recreation. Download the report (February 2007)

The Gates: Traffic Impacts and Analysis

In February 2005, The Gates, a temporary public art work was on view for 16 days in Central Park, consisting of 7,500 gates bearing saffron-colored fabric panels. The Gates required the full closure of the Central Park Drives to set up and dismantle the exhibit, and partial closure during the exhibit. This report documents the traffic impacts associated with the closures of the park drives during this exhibit. Download Part I Download Part II Appendices

2004 Holiday Traffic Plan: Central Park Drive Improvements

As part of the 2004 Holiday Traffic Plan, DOT and the Department of Parks and Recreation implemented an ambitious program to improve the overall usability of the Central Park Drives. DOT closely monitored the impacts of this initiative to determine the impacts. Download the report (May 2005)

Traffic Data

Bicyclist Fatalities and Serious Injuries in New York City, 1996-2005

The Departments of Health and Mental Hygiene, Parks and Recreation, Transportation, and Police released a joint report describing the factors that contributed to the deaths and serious injuries of bicyclists over the past decade. Download the report (September 2006)

New York City Bicycling Screenline Counts and Commuter Cycling Indicator

DOT has developed an indicator that makes use of the most robust data available to estimate levels of commuter cycling over time. Data on this page shows trends in both general and commuter cycling in New York. Learn more about the Commuter Cycling Indicator

New York City Screenline Traffic Flow Report

This report presents vehicular volumes and historical comparisons across the Bronx-Westchester, Queens-Nassau, Manhattan-New Jersey, Staten Island-New Jersey, and Brooklyn-Queens screenlines. Download the 2010 Report (May 2012) 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009

2005 Transit Strike: Transportation Impacts and Analysis

The 2005 transit strike presented daunting challenges in maintaining mobility and access for City residents, businesses and visitors. The increased demand on the remaining operating transportation systems required a comprehensive and coordinated plan. This report, published in February 2006, describes how the City's Transit Strike Plan succeeded in maintaining mobility within the City. Part I Executive Summary, Preparing for the Transit Strike, and Traffic Management Strategies. Part II Analysis and Findings, Conclusions and Appendices.

Bridges and Tunnels

Annual Bridge and Tunnel Condition Report

This annual report describes DOT's work in maintaining 787 City bridges and tunnels. Read the 2011 Report (April 2012) Reports for the years 2002-10 are also available

Manhattan River Crossings

This report, published annually by DOT since 1972, presents vehicular volumes, classification, and trends for all bridge and tunnel facilities serving Manhattan. Read the Manhattan River Crossings Reports from: Download the 2010 report (pdf), published March 2013 Download earlier reports:2001 (summary), 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009

New York City Bridge Traffic Volumes

Since 1948, the New York City Department of Transportation has monitored traffic flow on 47 bridges operated by the City of New York. This report summarizes vehicular volumes, classification data, and trends for the 47 bridges that cross over water, as well as the nine bridges and tunnels operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the six bridges and tunnels operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Read past New York City Bridge Traffic Volumes reports: Download the 2010 report (May 2012) Download earlier reports: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009

Harlem River Bridges

This report describes the eight Harlem River bridges, the rehabilitation projects that are either under way or planned, and the importance of obtaining Federal funding through reauthorization of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21). Download the report (January 2004)

DOT Research Papers and Presentations

DOT staff are frequently invited to give papers and presentations at a variety of professional and academic conferences across the country and around the world. Below is a small sample of recent ones.

Specifications and Drawings

Infrastructure design standards are available from the The Department of Design and Construction.

Standard Markings Specifications, Traffic Operations, Geometric Design Unit, October 2009.

The following documents are available for purchase from the Office of the Agency Chief Contracting Officer, 55 Water Street, Ground Level, New York NY 10041. For further information, call 212-839-9435.
  • Division of Street Lighting, Specifications for furnishing all labor and material necessary and required for the installation, removal or relocation of street lighting equipment in the City of New York, 1992. $50.00.
  • Specifications for furnishing all labor and material necessary and required for the installation or removal of electrical traffic signal equipment to control traffic in the City of New York, March 1995. (With drawings) $25.00.
  • Standard Specifications, Bureau of Highway Operations, June 1986. $5.00.
  • Division of Street Lighting, Standard Drawings, $75.00.
  • Standard Details of Construction, Bureau of Highways, Roadway Design, August 1988 (revised to 1999). $10.00.