You are reading

DOT unveils traffic safety upgrades to long stretch of Astoria Boulevard

Completed work at Astoria Blvd and 103rd Street(DOT)

April 17, 2017 Staff Report

The Department of Transportation unveiled a massive redesign and safety upgrade along a large stretch of Astoria Boulevard in East Elmhurst earlier today.

The redesigned area included over 10,125 square feet of concrete work, five new crosswalks, two new signals, eight new trees, one new leading pedestrian interval, and 78 upgraded or new pedestrian ramps along Astoria Blvd from 99th Street to Ditmars Boulevard.

“Astoria Boulevard has a vibrant mix of residential and commercial properties on a busy street that, for better and worse, is often busy with traffic for drivers using it as an alternative to the nearby Grand Central Parkway,” said Queens Borough Commissioner Nicole Garcia. “Safety of all road users is our highest priority, and with the support of our elected officials, we were able to make one of East Elmhurst’s critical corridors a priority for Vision Zero, continuing our commitment to making Queens streets safer.”

The ¾ mile stretch of Astoria Boulevard was ranked in the top third in Queens for serious crashes, and saw a pedestrian fatality in 2013 at the intersection of Astoria Boulevard and 103rd Street.

Prior to upgrades at Astoria Blvd/103rd Street(DOT)

To increase safety and function in the area, DOT added two new signalized intersections along Astoria Boulevard at 103th Street and 100th Street, installed a new left turn bay at 108th St to improve access to East Elmhurst, improved various medians to shorten crossing and improve ADA access, added street trees and landscaping, and removed evening rush-hour regulation on the south side of Astoria Blvd, creating afternoon parking for approximately 120 spots in front of commercial businesses.

“Astoria Boulevard is a vital strip for residents of East Elmhurst. It’s where we worship and shop. It’s where our parents and grandparents come to spend their mornings at Elmcor Senior Center, and soon it will be the site of a middle school. I thank Department of Transportation Queens Borough Commissioner Nicole Garcia and her team for prioritizing the safety of our residents and making changes that not only make it easier to traverse this street, but also respond directly to the feedback of the community,” said Council Member Julissa Ferreras-Copeland.

The design phase for additional safety improvements is expected to begin this year with funding from Ferreras-Copeland’s office, and construction is expected to begin in 2020.

email the author: news@queenspost.com
No comments yet

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Hate crimes task force probes antisemitic assault on F train in Jamaica Hills: NYPD

The NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating an antisemitic assault on a subway train in Jamaica Hills during the morning rush on Monday, Jan. 13.

The 27-year-old victim in the attack was onboard a northbound F train that was approaching the Parsons Boulevard subway station at 7 a.m. when a stranger began shouting antisemitic rhetoric at him before he slapped him and then punched him in the face.

Gunman wanted for firing at livery cab in Flushing over fare dispute: NYPD

Police from the 109th Precinct in Flushing are looking for a gunman who opened fire at a livery cab near the Shops at Skyview on Saturday morning.

The suspect was getting dropped off in front of 40-28 College Point Blvd. in Flushing when he got into a dispute with the 63-year-old driver. The two argued about the fare, and the suspect exited the vehicle and started to run away. He was seen on video surveillance pulling out a firearm and firing a shot while on the run that missed the cab and struck the pavement. The driver was not injured, and there was no property damage, an NYPD spokeswoman said Thursday.