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November 3, 2009

Squadron Helps Drivers Get Off (The FDR)

Most Brooklynites are familiar with what a mess it can be to take the Brooklyn Bridge exit from the southbound FDR drive. Well, State Senator Squadron just worked out a deal with State DOT to make some changes, including new painted lines and EXIT ONLY signs, by the end of the year. Think it'll help?

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I think parking a highway patrol officer there to ticket all the jerks cutting across the solid white line to force their way onto the bridge ramp at the last moment would be pretty effective, and could generate some revenue, too.

Posted by: Sparafucile at November 3, 2009 10:19 AM

It won't help as long as people can continue to merge from the middle lane to the right/exit lane right up to the point where they exit the FDR

Posted by: CarrollGardened at November 3, 2009 10:19 AM

Yeah, ROTFLMMFAO...painitng more lines will definitely deter New Yorkers.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 3, 2009 10:21 AM

No, It wont help. You need plastic cone-type dividers to separate the exit lane. The same should be done for the Manhattan bridge and Brooklyn bridge exits on the BQE, allowing through traffic to get by.

Posted by: dittoburg at November 3, 2009 10:27 AM

Something needs to be done there. A patrol car can't be parked there all the time. some kind of barrier like the ones at the entrance to the Battery tunnel should be installed to prevent drivers from cutting in near the turnoff. It's a busy bridge and a crowded Boro, it will never be perfect but I think they can improve on the current situation. However I think the whole approach road is in for yet another wholesale reconstruction using stimulus funds. Totally wasteful project of course. I think it is to make the approach earthquake resistant. That will make the bridge a nightmare for the next four or so years. Easy.

Posted by: Minard Lafever at November 3, 2009 10:27 AM

While I've complained many times about the lack of traffic enforcement, the NYPD sure knows how to pick the low hanging fruit!!

Rather than dealing with actually dangerous drivers, it has patrols out looking for cell phone users AND ticketing people that cross the white line at the Prospect Expressway --> BQE exit. Both of these seem like great ways to make sure we're safe on the roads!

Oh right -- it's not about safety... it about minimal effort with minimal effect! (except maybe some revenue and a lowered opinion of the NYPD)

I'm sure enforcing this FDR Drive exit has been on their list of "Not making the city safer, but a good activity for fellow officers getting time-and-a-half overtime!"

Posted by: tybur6 at November 3, 2009 10:29 AM

All of the above could stop the cutting/merging on the FDR, but that's not what's causing the back-ups. The back-ups are caused by the two merges on the bridge approach ramps. There's no easy fix without adding a lane.

What Brooklynites need most to solve the bridge's traffic woes is to create a dedicated exit ramp/tunnel from the bridge onto the south (aka west) bound BQE. A big chunk of bridge traffic is headed straight to the BQE. But the exit ramp merge approaching Cadman Plaza West, followed by a yield sign and two traffic lights, slows the flow and causes all of those right lane back-ups on the bridge that sometime snake all the way to the FDR. A dedicated connection to the BQE would also get a lot of traffic off of Old Fulton Street and make for a safer, nicer pedestrian approach to Brooklyn Bridge Park. Needless to say, this is a more ambitious project.

Senator Squadron, are you reading?

Posted by: NorthHeights at November 3, 2009 10:30 AM

The most effective strategy to to the bridge is to stay in the far left lane of the southbound FDR until you are about 75 feet from the exit. Then quickly cut over 2 lanes, catching the the people foolishly waiting in the exit only lane by surprise when you cut them off.

Posted by: Bklnite at November 3, 2009 10:33 AM

When I read "Squadron" I assumed you meant deploying a permanent military presence in that region of the FDR.

Brownstoner Poll: For those drivers out there. Do you wait in the long line or do you cut to the front? For those who queue up... What type of person do you allow to squeeze in front of your car, if any?

Posted by: IMBY at November 3, 2009 10:33 AM

Get off the FDR at the exit before, for the Manhattan Bridge. Proceed on the service road past Pathmark, past the housing projects (past my daughter's school on Catherine St.), and just past the last project, until you see the bridge above. Make a right. Go to the light, make a left, and a right onto the bridge.

Get home 10 mins earlier.

Posted by: rf at November 3, 2009 10:35 AM

When I'm in the exit only lane I allow hybrids to cut in front. SUVs, TLC cars and taxis can go to hell.

Posted by: Bklnite at November 3, 2009 10:38 AM

There's always someone in the queue dozing allowing the line-cutters in. My wife is a champion line cutter - a cause of marital strife.

Posted by: dittoburg at November 3, 2009 10:41 AM

"Think it'll help?"

Hell no! Build another ramp!

***Bill Thompson for Mayor (VOTE TODAY!!!)***

Posted by: Brownstones Half Off at November 3, 2009 10:42 AM

Any real Brooklynite rides in the left and middle lane and then cuts in at the last minute - the right lane is for tourists, suckers and drunks.

Same applies to the Cadman Plaza Exit on the other side (although for the life of me I cant figure out why your not allowed to exit from the middle lane anyway - as the ramp is 2 lanes)

Posted by: fsrg at November 3, 2009 10:44 AM

IMBY -- I queue up... and I try my damnedest not to let ANYONE squeeze in front of me. In any of these sort of situations... And I've been "kissed" a couple of times. I care a lot about my car, but not it's superficial appearance! That's a glorious thing in this sort of situation.

The other folks I don't yield for are the assholes that refuse to use their directional signals. I will yield for anyone if they signal their lane change... if not, I will do everything in my power to block the fucker. :-)

Posted by: tybur6 at November 3, 2009 10:45 AM

The same situation exists on the Brooklyn side of the bridge for cars exiting on the right for the BQE. Long line of cars waiting, second shorter line in middle lane waiting to cut in front leaving only remaining lane on the left for traffic to pass.

Posted by: IMBY at November 3, 2009 10:47 AM

Bklnite, LOL, but I think 75 feet is too far. I think 50 feet is more than sufficient to cut across 3 lanes of traffic.

IMBY, I let people squeeze in who are clearly going to ram my car if I don't.

Posted by: CarrollGardened at November 3, 2009 10:48 AM

Posted by: Bklnite at November 3, 2009 10:33 AM

My driver always does that. :)

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 3, 2009 10:48 AM

"Same applies to the Cadman Plaza Exit on the other side (although for the life of me I cant figure out why your not allowed to exit from the middle lane anyway - as the ramp is 2 lanes)"

If you want to exit onto Cadman Plaza, you HAVE to exit from the middle lane, though you still get stuck behind drivers who use the middle lane to cut to the front of the line of drivers heading to the BQE.

Posted by: CarrollGardened at November 3, 2009 10:52 AM

If you have a passenger they can roll down the window and use the power of the "arm" to point where you want to go.

For some reason I always allow cars with out of state plates to cut in, If i'm feeling especially generous I will allow folks from New Jersey.

Posted by: IMBY at November 3, 2009 10:53 AM

Oh... I should modify my response above. I do stand down to folks with shittier cars than me. But folks with fancy SUVs and German cars that look like they are buffed and polished daily -- hit me if you dare! But I know you won't!

(It's the borderline cases that have ended in a bit of a bumping... equally shitty. No clear victor.)

Posted by: tybur6 at November 3, 2009 10:56 AM

IMBY... you do know that 60% of Brooklyn residents have out-of-state plates, right? I'm pretty sure it around that amount anyway (Penn, SC, NC, Fla., etc.)

Posted by: tybur6 at November 3, 2009 11:05 AM

My street is full of CT and FLA plates.

Posted by: dittoburg at November 3, 2009 11:10 AM

I follow the law, both as a cutter and cuttee. Crossing a dotted line is fine, but once the line goes solid, that's it you missed your chance.

By the way, this is the Ali Halberstam Memorial Ramp we're talking about. I wonder how many extra votes that renaming was worth, and what the cost per vote of the new signage was.

Posted by: Sparafucile at November 3, 2009 11:11 AM

There are some situations that warrant lane cutting, but for the other 95% what we need are lasers.

That's right, lasers. That's the only way to deal with lane cutters. Pew pew!

Posted by: jjankechu at November 3, 2009 11:12 AM

NO that won't help at all
WHAT A MESS that whole exit is
ALL the jerks drive in the left/middle lanes to avoid the back-up in the right lane and than at the last minute decide to cut over right
SO dangerous!
They need to create those orange posts that are implanted into the concrete (like in the toll plazas) to avoid traffic jams in the left and middle lanes for drivers NOT exiting to the BK bridge!
I mean DUH!

Posted by: gemini10 at November 3, 2009 11:16 AM

Sparafucile - what new signage?

and while I agree that the # of signs is excessive, the kid was KILLED on that ramp by a terrorist simply because of his religion. Not exactly a frivolous event, and probably is something worthy of memorializing no?

Btw as a cutter - all you right-lane suckers can do all the blocking you want - despite your efforts it is usually very easy to cut in - all you have to do is find the last person that cut in and push yourself in front of them - it would be too hypocritical for that person to refuse your entry.....works every time.

Posted by: fsrg at November 3, 2009 11:29 AM

After 9/11 orange cones were secured to the pavement for about a half mile back from the exit. In addition, there was an NYPD car stationed right at the exit pulling people over who tried to cut in over the cones.

That is the way to do it. Make the cones permanent so you can't cut in, and station a cop there. That patrol car alone could probably generate a enough revenue to make it worthwhile...

If you don't want to deal with the line take the FDR all the way south to the end and make a u-turn to go northbound. The northbound entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge is much faster, even with the added time going south first...

Posted by: christopher at November 3, 2009 11:34 AM

I have seen time and again that when a police car is stopped to help correct the traffic situation it only makes it worse.

Posted by: SenatorStreet at November 3, 2009 11:43 AM

fsrq... It's good that you've taken the first step. Admitting you're a cutter. The next step is to turn to Christ for guidance.

http://www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/cutting.html

Posted by: tybur6 at November 3, 2009 11:45 AM

Sorry tybur6 - I admit that I am a cutter (why not - I agree with SenatorStreet, the cutting seems to help traffic flow) but I reject Christ

Posted by: fsrg at November 3, 2009 11:50 AM

Certainly I feel bad for the kid's family, but the signs were a cynical attempt to curry political favor. Remember that tourist from Utah in town for the US Open who was killed by some punks who wanted to 'get paid' before going out clubbing? If the Mormon vote were as important here as the Orthodox Jewish vote, he might have gotten a stairway named for him at the 7th Av and 53rd St subway station.

Posted by: Sparafucile at November 3, 2009 11:54 AM

Stripes will do nothing. To fix the problem you need to make the off ramp 2-lanes. Right it's that one lane pinch point that causes the backup.

And North Hieghts is dead on about the cadman plaza exit on the other side too. Connect diectly to the BQE and get rid off one of the most annoying constant traffic backups in south brooklyn.

Posted by: bkre at November 3, 2009 12:02 PM

Sparafucile - While you will no doubt deny it - I can see that your hostility has much more to do with your animosity towards Orthodox Jews then to the renaming of a bridge ramp.

But 1. Brian Watkins wasnt killed BECAUSE he was a mormon AND FYI there is a NYC Parks Tennis Courts named for him (and I think some sort of memorial at the US Open Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows).

Posted by: fsrg at November 3, 2009 12:04 PM

At rush hour and late evenings I ask my cabbies to get off at South Street. Adds four minutes or so if the traffic is clear but can save a half hour or more if it's backed up.

When I'm driving myself, I agree with the guy who said crossing a dotted line is fair game, crossing a solid one is not. Most important thing is to keep moving. It's the drivers who manage to come to a stop blocking two lanes that drive me crazy. If you're going to cut someone off, do it fast and make it painless -- keep rolling until you get to the part where the cars are moving.

Also, when in line, I try to stay to the very left of the lane. The geometry makes it harder for people to nudge in front.

Posted by: zgori at November 3, 2009 12:07 PM

Agreeing cutting in is fair game on a dotted line, a major a@#hole maneuver once the line goes solid.
I also think it is ok to turn on from the center lane on the Cadman exit, but there are sometimes cops there enforcing.
My biggest beef in that area now are the stupid double decker tour buses.

Posted by: Brokedeveloper at November 3, 2009 12:16 PM

What rf said. I learned it from a car service guy a few years ago. If there is zero traffic on the FDR, it might be a tiny bit slower. Otherwise, it's always faster (and quieter, and less aggravating).

Posted by: Smudge at November 3, 2009 12:17 PM

Zgori, exactly right. Dotted line ok for most part, still feels a bit rude when the traffic is backed to the next bridge, and someones pushing in right near where the dotted line ends up front.

And yes, keeping far left makes it harder for them to cut in, but you risk your car.

When I had a POS car I was super agressive in keeping cutters out, especially cabbies, but with the new car, I just turn up the music, relax, and let people cut if they're going to force the issue. Aint worth the aggravation.

Posted by: BSD at November 3, 2009 12:20 PM

"Btw as a cutter - all you right-lane suckers can do all the blocking you want - despite your efforts it is usually very easy to cut in - all you have to do is find the last person that cut in and push yourself in front of them - it would be too hypocritical for that person to refuse your entry.....works every time."

Yep. I use that one all the time. Let's see Bloomberg stop me from doing THIS! HA HA!

Posted by: East New York at November 3, 2009 12:21 PM

Squadron was against tolls on East River Bridges, but for Congestion Pricing, and the best solution he can come up with
is some painted stripes and an 'Exit Only' sign?

Congestion Pricing and Tolls will solve the FDR approach and BQE exit, because it will cut down on traffic. How many cars containing more than one person does anyone see crossing the bridge? Very few.

Sparafucile: Ari Halberstam, not Ali.

Posted by: buttermilk channel at November 3, 2009 12:21 PM

I use the middle lane, with no intention of cutting, honest, but if I spot an opening, I zip in (sorry). If I don't detect any opening I keep going south and make a legal u-turn at the Maritime Building and then head north and get on the bridge from the always empty northbound approach ramp.

Posted by: Minard Lafever at November 3, 2009 12:29 PM

If Thompson is elected mayor, all,this will be even worse.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 3, 2009 12:55 PM

There was a great article in the Times Magazine a while back called the Urge to Merge, which tackled this very phenomenon of "lineuppers" vs "sidezoomers." The traffic flow experts all agreed that though sidezoomers may be rude and inconsiderate for cutting in at the last minute, the vigilante lineuppers who refuse to let them in do just as much to impede traffic. Read it here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/03/magazine/03traffic-t.html?pagewanted=1

Posted by: bklynrosie at November 3, 2009 1:09 PM

Some of these posts made me LOL as people who travel on the middle and left lanes probably do think the right lane is full of tourists. What I'll do if the traffic is backed up half a mile is go past the exit and take the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel. 95% of the time, it's totally clear.

Posted by: tiptoe at November 3, 2009 1:17 PM

"Squadron Helps Drivers Get Off"

Mr. B has clearly been spending too much time in the OT.

Posted by: CarrollGardened at November 3, 2009 1:23 PM

bklynrosie, I read that when it came out. I remember thinking that it would be best if highway engineers forced people to merge at the actual merge points rather than in advance of them (think of the entrance to the jersey bound holland and lincoln tunnels, where four lanes go to two, then two to one and everyone politely alternates). The trick is to do this without interfering with traffic heading elsewhere. In the case of the brooklyn bridge, that would probably mean having the traffic continuing on FDR south to exit, leaving the bridge traffic on the "mainline." Then gradually reduce lanes.

Posted by: zgori at November 3, 2009 1:28 PM

I do the legal U down by the firehouse. I wish every jerk who cuts in were given a ticket. It's as stupid as the idiots who don't move out of the way at subway doors - cuts everyone's time. Selfish & dumb!

Posted by: Arkady at November 3, 2009 2:13 PM

What you need is a squadron all right.

A squadron of helicopters with air-to-surface rockets.

Posted by: DitmasSnark at November 3, 2009 4:15 PM

Place cameras on the Manhattan Bridge and take pics of license plates of all cars that cut into the line in front of that exit and in the process cross the solid line. Do the same on exit from Brooklyn Bridge onto FDR Drive, and on all other places where there are similar issues present. There are so many places in this city where this would be extremely helpful, not to mention the situations in which a number of "drivers" in this city take red lights as suggestions and not an order to stop. The investment into cameras will pay off in about 3 hours and the rest of the revenue can be used towards building underground roads that will speed up traffic between NYC boroughs, or modernize the disgusting subway system that looks like it is crumbling. Finally, from the leftover funds abolish the NYC tax and help to reduce NYS tax after filling the gaps in the state budget.

Posted by: supereks at November 3, 2009 4:53 PM

I think it's great right now. No need to change.

Posted by: seahawk at November 3, 2009 4:58 PM

« The Gingerbread House Hits the Market Walkabout : The Italianate Style, part 1 »

November 3, 2009

Squadron Helps Drivers Get Off (The FDR)

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