In May 2017 the DOT plans to redesign the awful block of 8th Avenue between 42nd and 43rd streets.
the pedestrian area increased by 60% by removing the barricade.The adjacent bike lane will be by delineated by large blocks on the pedestrian side and flexible bollards on the vehicular side to prevent obstructions.
We had been working on improving this block since the bike lane installation, 6 years ago , and it proved quite difficult. Fortunately the owner of the property where Duane Reade is located, agreed to study the problem, and hired an engineer who worked out the details with DOT. WE also understand that the Times Square Alliance has agreed to maintain the pedestrian space, a point that was a job obstacle.
We hope DOT will take this as a test and soon expand this experiment from 34th to 47th streets .
This is terrific news… thanks for all your hard work… yes, it has become more safe to be a pedestrian in Hells Kitchen… there are more areas, as you note, that need similar attention… with high regard
thank you!