New Traffic Light Coming To Dangerous Red Hook Intersection

RED HOOK, BROOKLYN — A new traffic light is coming to the intersection of Van Brunt Street and Pioneer Street, a dangerous intersection where residents have asked for some sort of traffic control.

"This intersection’s poor sight lines, high traffic volume and lack of proper controls have caused many injuries and crashes," City Councilman Carlos Menchaca said in a statement. "Over the last year, multiple petitions, created by residents and nearby businesses, were submitted to my office and to the Department of Transportation. The neighborhood spoke with one voice as local leaders testified at public hearings and neighbors lodged demands for the required traffic and engineering studies to be completed."

Earlier this year, in May, a car struck a mother and her young daughter at the intersection.

"Every day I’ve been waiting for something to happen," Steve Farber, who lives nearby, told the Red Hook Star-Revue at the time. "So finally, you know, it happened."

Groups of residents banded together to push for the traffic light.

"This victory for our neighborhood is important because it will improve street safety and it shows that when Red Hook works together, we get results," Menchaca said. "Strong resident voices, local organizing, and traffic data were the most helpful factors during my own advocacy with the Department of Transportation."

The signal will be installed in late October, Menchaca said.

Image via Google Streetview