Dangerous Lower Manhattan Intersection Set for Improvements

The Department of Transportation has made multiple upgrades to the east intersection of Bowery and Delancey Streets over the years to no avail. There have been 87 injuries there from 2008-2010, 14 of them involving pedestrians.
Dangerous Lower Manhattan Intersection Set for Improvements
Catherine Yang
2/12/2014
Updated:
7/18/2015

The Department of Transportation has made multiple upgrades to the east intersection of Bowery and Delancey Streets over the years to no avail. There have been 87 injuries there from 2008-2010, 14 of them involving pedestrians.

Tuesday night, DOT presented a new project plan to Community Board 3’s transportation subcommittee, which the committee approved unanimously.

Bridge traffic in high volume, bicyclists, and pedestrians all pass through the area. 

DOT proposed two full through-lanes and a dedicated turn lane on Bowery to reduce traffic congestion. 

Pedestrian structure modifications would be made as well. DOT wants to reshape the island at Delancey street for easier turns, and add tree pits to the island. The pedestrian space on the southeast corner will be extended onto Bowery, and the median on Spring Street will be replaced.

DOT is also testing a new traffic light signal phase with flashing yellow arrows telling motorists to yield to pedestrians, and would include the signal at the intersection. Eleven seconds will also be added for northbound pedestrians crossing Delancey Street, with no turn traffic coming from Bowery Street.

The “No Stopping Anytime” zone on Bowery and Delancey streets will be extended until it reaches the subway stairwell. 

DOT hopes to start the changes late spring or early summer.