In a win for the community, following numerous requests from Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein, Councilman Alan Maisel, elected officials and community leaders, the New York City Department of Transportation has approved life saving traffic improvements in Marine Park. The new measures will install an all-way stop sign at the corner or Avenue P and Ryder Street, and place a left turn signal and sensor in the southbound left-turn bay on Gerritsen Avenue at Avenue U.

DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg informed the Assemblywoman of the approvals during a visit to the Avenue P site, also attended by Councilman Maisel, Brooklyn Borough Commissioner Keith Bray, agency engineers and staff. The intersection has been the scene of multiple horrific accidents, one in which a young child was hit while waiting at his bus stop. He miraculously survived, but suffered a ruptured spleen and fractured skull. The Commissioner was able to witness the ridiculous speeds and disregard for stop signs and was glad she could help prevent future accidents. The all-way stop is scheduled for installation before the end of the this year.

At Gerritsen Avenue and Avenue U, the DOT will be installing a small high-tech sensor under the street, which will only provide a left turn signal when cars are present in the turning bay. The installation, taking place in early 2018, will allow adequate time for cars to make the turn unimpeded, discontinue the dangerous practice of racing the red and jumping the green, and keep the roadway free for emergency vehicles exiting the Fire Station location just North of Avenue U. Assemblywoman Weinstein has been submitting requests for this signal for over 25 years and is thrilled at the inclusion of both these improvements.

“I commend Commissioner Trottenberg, Borough Commissioner Bray, and Deputy Borough Commissioner Workman, for finally recognizing the dangers these two locations pose to both motorists and pedestrians alike,” said the Assemblywoman. “There is no doubt, working together, we’ve increased safety and have prevent what were sure to be devastating and fatal accidents.”

“My office has been working closely with Assemblymember Helene Weinstein and DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg to make city streets more safe for pedestrians and motorists,” said Councilman Maisel. “The traffic improvements in Marine Park will make a significant contribution.”

The DOT will also be launching investigations into a mid-block signal for seniors crossing Nostrand Avenue between Avenues Y and Z, and a similar turn signal sensor for northbound traffic on Nostrand Avenue at Kings Highway.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)