Calming Traffic at Bergen and Smith
The folks over at Streetsblog pointed out the sidewalk extension at Smith and Bergen, part of a larger DOT traffic-calming program begun last spring, and gave a well-deserved nod to the residents, protesters, and advocates who have been fighting for over a decade to improve safety and traffic conditions in the area. We spoke with…
The folks over at Streetsblog pointed out the sidewalk extension at Smith and Bergen, part of a larger DOT traffic-calming program begun last spring, and gave a well-deserved nod to the residents, protesters, and advocates who have been fighting for over a decade to improve safety and traffic conditions in the area. We spoke with several passersby about the sidewalk extension at Bergen and Smith, and the reaction was mostly positive: it increases visibility between cars and pedestrians, shortens the crossing distance, and moderates vehicle speeds. It is, however, a lot of empty pavement, one person said—it could be more attractive with trees, benches, or public art. What do you think, readers? Are you satisfied with the changes at Smith and Bergen or any other traffic-calming measures in your neighborhoods?
Now That’s What I Call a Neckdown! [Streetsblog]
Legacy of Traffic-Calming Advocates [Streetsblog]
Brooklyn Traffic-Calming Project: 10 Years On [Streetsblog]
Sandy Balboza confirmed the median at Atlantic Ave was removed for several reasons. The main reason was that the installation failed to significantly slow traffic. Also, the project included narrowing the street which blocked about half a block of parking. Finally, the bollards were initially painted black, and there was at least one collision with them, as Brooklyn Chicken mentioned.
http://blogs.journalism.cuny.edu/interactive2010/2009/09/02/medians-in-atlantic-ave-have-not-worked-in-the-past/
DOT traffic safety regulations require a minimum sight triangle must be provided so that there is an unobstructed view for 45 ft from each intersection(which is not true of most intersections in NYC). Trees are considered to be obstructions. I am a huge fan of trees, but maybe this space is more suitable for street furniture (bike rack, newstand).
I go to Ziads pretty much daily, and havent seen a paper in there for awhile, I dont have to be to work til noon, so maybe i’m just getting to the block late.
It will certainly be too much sidewalk in the snow and ice.
BoerumResident, the DOT didn’t properly mark the trial median at Bond and Atlantic. A short time after it was installed, a car smashed into it on a dark, rainy night. I don’t know if there were any fatalities, but I can’t imagine anyone just walking away from that. The DOT later dismantled it with no plans to reinstall it.
While any traffic calming measure anywhere is an improvement, Atlantic Avenue is by far more dangerous, especially the particularly fatal intersection at Hoyt.
I live around the corner from this spot and am pleased with the new sidewalks. They did all 4 corners in this manner, so you would think there is plenty of room for tree planters, benches, newspaper boxes and even bike parking. good work DOT
It also nicer to cross the street now. When you get out of the station on the Dunkin Donuts side and cross Smith the cars turning left from Smith onto Bergen used to practically clip you on the sidewalk. Now with a wider turn they don’t do that anymore.
And yes, the extra pavement is begging for something to go there.
I agree that a tree, or something should go there. The space is so big, it just feels/looks odd when crossing, now. I think it’s an improvement, but I didn’t think this intersection was really that bad. Yeah, Atlantic is much worse.
Needs a tree! Smith Street in general needs trees. If not in the ground then in a big planter.
The same extra wide curbs have been added a block down at Bergen & Boerum Place and on Boerum Place and Dean… really does “calm” traffic. I walk these intersections every day and have already noticed a big difference.