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DOT installs new traffic light and crosswalks at Roosevelt Ave. and 90th Street

Roosevelt/90th Street (file photo)

March 25, 2017 By Hannah Wulkan

The Department of Transportation unveiled a new traffic signal and crosswalks on Roosevelt Ave. Friday as part of the Vision Zero campaign to increase street safety.

Following a safety study of the area, the DOT installed a new traffic light and two signalized crosswalks at 90th Street and Roosevelt Avenue in an effort to increase safety in the area.

The area is a busy transit hub under an elevated 7 train station, and was designated a “priority location” under the Vision Zero plan. The intersection saw two severe pedestrian injuries between 2010 and 2014, and the stretch of Roosevelt Avenue between Case Street and Elmhurst Avenue saw two pedestrian fatalities in 2013.

“This particular area has a large amount of foot and vehicular traffic, and unfortunately, in the past few years, two area residents were killed after being hit by vehicles as they crossed the street,” said State Senator Jose Peralta. “It is my hope that these crucial safety improvements will help reduce and eliminate traffic-related injuries.”

In addition to adding traffic light, the changes included a ban on northbound left turns from Elmhurst Avenue onto Roosevelt Avenue. With vehicles no longer queuing for this turn, DOT was able to install two signalized crosswalks at the corner of Roosevelt Avenue and 90th Street.

“DOT is dedicated to making streets as safe as possible, especially along popular commercial corridors that double as transit hubs that serve thousands of people each day,” said Nicole Garcia, NYC DOT Queens Borough Commissioner. “We took a fresh look at this intersection and used valuable feedback from local stakeholders on their experiences trying to cross at this intersection. This new signal, newly installed crosswalks, and modified traffic pattern all combine to make this street safer for everyone.”