Stretch Of Astoria Boulevard Gets Safety Makeover

EAST ELMHURST, QUEENS — A stretch of Astoria Boulevard has got a safety makeover as part of the city's Vision Zero initiative, it was announced Monday.

The three-quarter-mile stretch between 99th Street and Ditmars Boulevard was ranked third in Queens for the amount of crashes. The improvements included five new crosswalks, two new traffic signals, eight new trees, a new pedestrian island and 78 upgraded or new pedestrian ramps.

Additionally, medians were improved to shorten crossing distances and allow easier ADA access, a new left turn bay was installed at 108th Street and rush-hour regulations were removed on the south side of the boulevard to create 120 news parking spots in front of commercial businesses.

“Astoria Boulevard is a vital strip for residents of East Elmhurst. It’s where we worship and shop. It’s where our parents and grandparents come to spend their mornings at Elmcor Senior Center, and soon it will be the site of a middle school," said Ferreras-Copeland.

“These improvements were made after several community workshops where long-time residents were able to voice their suggestions and daily experiences."

The design phase for further safety improvements will begin this year with $800,000 provided by Ferreras-Copeland.

In January 2017, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that NYC would be investing an additional $400 million in Vision Zero improvements designed to make the city's streets safer — totalling $1.6 billion over the next five years.

Lead image courtesy of NYC Department of Transportation