Finally! 42nd Street and 9th Avenue safer for pedestrians

After 7 years of dogged persistence on the part of our members, the south crossing at 42nd Street and 9th Avenue  is now much safer.

When the light turns red on 9th Avenue, pedestrians now get the WALK signal immediately, while the drivers turning from 42nd Street do not have the green arrow. If the drivers try to turn south, the incoming eastbound traffic prevents them from doing so. The arrow turns green when the south crossing pedestrian countdown comes to 0 and the eastbound traffic is stopped.

This configuration  makes a huge difference in terms of safety as attested by all traffic calming manuals . Ted, a traffic Agent who is posted there often, told us how much better this is for everyone.

This change had been recommended by the Safe routes for Senior Traffic Study. We are grateful to DOT’s Manhattan Borough Commissioner  Margaret Forgione , and Commissioner Janet Sadik – Kahn for this crucial improvement.