Yesterday, Streetsblog broke the story that the Department of Transportation was preparing to propose a “radical” new traffic plan for Park Slope. A letter from the DOT’s press office confirmed their suspicions:

“DOT has proposed changing 6th and 7th Avenues to one-way streets which we believe will have many benefits including simplifying the turning movements at intersections to make it safer for pedestrians crossing the street and narrowing the travel lanes on 7th Avenue to encourage vehicles to travel within the existing speed limit. DOT also proposes making these changes in conjunction with a plan that would remove a travel lane in each direction on 4th Avenue (between 17th and Dean Streets) using this space to improve the existing left turn bays.”

Some Streetsblog commentors are buying into the idea, but one who goes by Mitch says, “4th Ave can be backed up as it is. Not sure what narrowing the lanes would accomplish except more gridlock.” Commentor Michael Cairl also has a beef with the plan: “Making 6th and 7th Avenues one-way will increase traffic speeds through the neighborhood and make the streets less safe for pedestrians, cyclists, and especially the senior population.” Thoughts?

DOT to Propose Radical New Traffic Plan for Park Slope [Streetsblog]
DOT Explains New Traffic Solution [Streetsblog]