Pedestrian paradise: 5th Avenue redesign to begin in 2028. Currently, 5th Avenue includes five traffic lanes and two 23-foot sidewalks. While pedestrians account for 70% of traffic on the avenue, only 46% of the space is currently allocated to them.
Under the plan, sidewalk widths will nearly double to 33.5 feet on each side, and pedestrian zones will be expanded to 25 feet. The redesign will also add tree-lined buffers, benches, lighting and stormwater infrastructure to improve walkability, comfort and climate resilience.
Pedestrian crossings will be shortened by more than one-third, while traffic lanes will be reduced from five to three. The project also includes the installation of more than 230 new trees and 20,000 square feet of planters.
To see such an iconic avenue being pedestrianized will undoubtedly change the perception of New york City and encourage other neighborhoods to emulate this design. A very good omen for pedestrians.
Earlier this month Mayor Adams announced the Doubling of Pedestrian and Cycling Space on Queensboro Bridge, another iconic location to become a model for other bridges . The new space is open to the public.
Per Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez ” By reclaiming the south outer roadway for pedestrians, we’re helping create comfortable connections for the growing number of pedestrians and cyclists on the bridge. We look forward to delivering continued upgrades to each side of the bridge to improve cycling and pedestrian connections this summer.”
In our own backyard, we prompted our elected officials to send a letter to the DOT commissioner clamoring for the balance of the 9th Avenue super sidewalk to be completed ASAP. You can see the letter HERE