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).
The two-phase study explored alternative travel routes for trucks, identified problematic intersections and street configurations, and assessed signs to reduce the impact of truck traffic on local streets. Phase I focused on data collection and analysis. Phase II provided recommendations for alternative truck routes and ways to simplify the five-leg intersection at Maurice Avenue, 58th Street and Maspeth Avenue. Download an overview of the study steps (pdf)
Background
DOT's Truck Route Management and Community Impact Reduction Study, released in March 2007, identified Grand Avenue in Maspeth as a high priority route and recommended that DOT undertake an engineering analysis to inform a plan for mitigating the community's concerns. The Maspeth Bypass and Intersection Normalization Study began in the Fall of 2009.
Queens Community Board 5 originally proposed creating a "Maspeth Bypass" to remove trucks from Grand Avenue between the Long Island Expressway and Rust Street. The Community Board suggested using existing truck routes north and west of Grand Avenue to bypass predominantly residential and commercial portions of Grand Avenue. See the community's proposed bypass route (pdf)
Maspeth Bypass Study Area Map (pdf)
Maspeth Bypass Proposal
Based on the study and input from the community, DOT proposes several changes that will reduce the impact of truck traffic on the local street network. The proposal includes alternative travel routes for trucks, changes to the truck route rules, normalizing intersections, altered roadway configurations, and new signs. The proposal has been revised in response to public comments. Download the presentation of the revised proposal given to the Queens Community Board 2 on June 2, 2011 (pdf) Download the presentation of the revised proposal given to the Queens Community Board 5 on June 15, 2011 (pdf) Download an overview of the proposed plan (pdf) Download a detail of the five-legged intersection (pdf) Download the overall signage plan (jpg) Download the truck route signage plan (pdf)
Proposed Truck Network Changes
DOT's proposal includes changes to what truck traffic is allowed on Flushing and Grand Avenues. A public hearing on the proposed changes was held on January 4, 2011. Download the full details of the changes (pdf)
One-Way Conversions
Starting in early October, 2011, DOT will be making one-way street conversions as called for in the study. Learn more about One-Way Street Conversions(pdf) Download a brochure on the conversions in Chinese
- Maurice Avenue will become one-way northbound between Maspeth Avenue and 55th Drive.
- 59th Street will become one-way southbound from Maurice Avenue to 56th Avenue.
- 58th Street will become one-way southbound between 55th Drive and Maspeth Avenue.
- The westbound Q39 (to Long Island City) bus stop will be relocated from 58th Street to the far side of Maurice Avenue at 56th Drive.