NYC DOT Begins Redesign of Manhattan’s Second Avenue with Wider Bike Lane and Upgraded Bus Lane
By Mohisn Zaheer
NEW YORK – The New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) has commenced construction on a major redesign of Manhattan’s Second Avenue, extending 59 blocks from East 59th Street to Houston Street. The project, which includes a wider bike lane, an upgraded bus lane, and enhanced pedestrian safety features, aims to improve the commutes of 57,000 daily bus riders and 6,000 daily cyclists. Expected to be completed later this year, this initiative is a key component of the city’s Connecting to the Core action plan, which complements the forthcoming congestion pricing program by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez emphasized the benefits of the redesign, stating, “This revamped Second Avenue will make commutes faster and more reliable for 57,000 daily bus riders, better protect the increasing number of cyclists, and improve safety for all road users. We are putting people first on Manhattan’s avenues by improving bike, pedestrian, and bus infrastructure, helping the vast majority of commuters on these corridors get where they’re going quicker and safer.” )
Improved Bus Service)
The redesign will notably improve bus service on the M15 local and SBS routes, the city’s busiest with 57,000 daily riders. The existing curbside bus lane will be moved one lane over to create an offset bus lane, which will be operational 24/7. This change aims to keep the bus lane clear and accommodate deliveries more efficiently, thus enhancing the reliability and speed of bus service.
Enhanced Cycling Experience)
Second Avenue’s bike lane, one of the busiest in the country, will be widened from 6 feet to between 8 and 10 feet. This change is part of a broader effort to expand cycling infrastructure across the city. Wider bike lanes not only provide more comfort and safety for cyclists but also accommodate the increasing use of e-mobility devices. Additional bike parking and layover spaces for delivery cyclists will also be installed.
Pedestrian Safety Upgrades)
Pedestrian safety will be bolstered by converting select painted pedestrian islands into concrete islands and adding new painted pedestrian islands and curb extensions. These improvements are expected to reduce pedestrian and cyclist injuries significantly. Furthermore, new and upgraded sidewalks will be added, particularly between East 30th and 33rd Streets in Kips Bay, enhancing safety and accessibility for all street users).
State and local officials have praised the redesign for its potential to reduce congestion, enhance transit reliability, and improve public safety. State Senator Kristen Gonzalez highlighted the environmental and inclusive benefits of the project, while Councilmember Carlina Rivera noted that the changes will address long-standing community concerns regarding traffic safety).
The redesign of Second Avenue is part of NYC DOT’s broader strategy to expand and enhance the city’s transportation infrastructure, promoting safer and more sustainable travel options for all New Yorkers).
