DOT Pushes To Improve Bike Path, Bus Lane On Washington Heights Bridge

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY — The Department of Transportation is looking to improve the cyclist experience on the Washington Bridge in Upper Manhattan by creating dedicated lanes for bikers.

The Washington Bridge connects Washington Heights at 181st Street to the Bronx, but currently doesn't have any dedicated bike lanes. Instead, cyclists must share a narrow path with pedestrians.

The proposal from the DOT aims to install a two-way barrier-protected bicycle lane on the north side of the bridge and install a dedicated bus lane on the south side of the bridge. This would take the number of dedicated lanes for cars from six to four.

The proposal also includes a plan to improve the connection for bikers from the uptown streets to the bridge.

The DOT wants to install a bike lane on the north side of Laurel Hill Terrace and connect McNally Plaza with Amsterdam Avenue. The proposal would remove 20 parking spaces, according to the DOT.

The push to improve bus, bicycle, and pedestrian improvements on the Washington Bridge has been requested by Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, and uptown Council Member Carmen De La Rosa.

Uptown's Manhattan Community Board 12 voted unanimously in favor of the project.

You can check out the full presentation from the DOT — HERE.

StreetsBlog was the first publication to report on the proposed changes to the Washington Bridge from the DOT.