Douglaston To See New Traffic Signal Outside Environmental Center

DOUGLASTON, QUEENS -- A long-sought traffic signal has been approved to go up on Northern Boulevard any day now, and Queens community leaders hope it's a sign of a safer road to come.

The NYC Department of Transportation earlier this month approved the traffic signal at the roadway's intersection outside the Alley Pond Environmental Center in Douglaston, said City Councilman Paul Vallone (D-Bayside).

"The community has asked for this for years and I'm happy that the DOT heard our call," Vallone said. "A traffic light at this intersection will go a long way towards improving the safety of the thousands of students, parents and teachers that visit APEC each year."

Vallone said he's advocated for the traffic signal since his constituents began coming to him with requests years ago. He said that, according to the DOT, work on the new installation should be completed "in the coming days."

A DOT spokesperson confirmed the signal was approved but could not immediately offer the exact date it would be up and running.

Among the traffic signal's longtime advocates is the Douglaston Local Development Corporation, which has for years supported adding the new safety feature, said board member Victor Dadras.

"We are very happy that the DOT has moved forward with this safety improvement," Dadras said. "We consider APEC a real asset to the community and the addition of a traffic signal to improve pedestrian safety is very welcome."

Lead photo via Google Maps.