3 New Open Streets Coming To Washington Heights: Here's Where

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY — Washington Heights will have three new Open Streets this spring and summer, part of 21 new locations unveiled by Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez on Friday.

For those who might have forgotten, Open Streets are a collection of blocks that become restricted to cars and instead prioritize pedestrians, bikers, outdoor dining and activities.

Here are the three new Open Streets, not part of last year's programming, that will open soon.

• West 158 Street: Broadway to Amsterdam Avenue
• West 188th Street: Amsterdam Avenue to Audubon Avenue
• West 196th Street: Broadway to Elwood Street

The West 158th Street and West 188th Street Open Streets are both heavily residential blocks.

Three of the eight new Manhattan Open Streets announced on Friday are in Washington Heights.

The new uptown Open Streets will join multiple returning Upper Manhattan Open Streets.

Those locations are:

• Academy Street: Broadway to Vermilyea Avenue
• West 164th Street: Edgecombe Avenue to Amsterdam Avenue
• West 182nd Street: Amsterdam Avenue to Audubon Avenues

All of the Open Streets will be open by the beginning of summer.

“Open Streets was one of the few bright spots of the pandemic, and I am proud that we have found a way to support more streets in more diverse communities in every borough that can be part of this incredible and permanent program," Rodriguez said in a news release on Friday.

The announcement of the new Open Streets aligned with Earth Day.

The DOT added that it helped provide local nonprofits and organizations with funding for metal barriers, traffic signs, programming, and movable furniture.

The exact hours for each uptown Open Street are not yet set.

“On Earth Day and every day, we are showing the nation how to reimagine our public space at scale and build a greener, healthier, and safer city,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in a news release. “My administration’s commitment to the Open Streets program remains steadfast. As we work hand-in-hand with our partners on the ground to give communities the space and programming they need, I look forward to all they will offer their neighbors and our city.”

You can find out more about Open Streets on the city's website.