ASTORIA — The Department of Transportation is proposing changes to a Queens intersection that one elected official called "dangerous and confusing."
The plan is to extend the barrier separating Astoria Boulevard North from the exit ramp of the Grand Central Parkway at 32nd Street in Astoria, according to Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas, who said the intersection was identified by the 114th Precinct as the most accident-prone in the area.
The parkway exit ramp currently merges directly with Astoria Boulevard North, "creating a confusing seven-lane intersection with vehicles attempting multiple-lane crossovers across an extremely short distance," according to Simotas's announcement.
Extending the median will separate local and expressway traffic, preventing drivers heading west on Astoria Boulevard from making left turns onto the 31st Street, and restricting those coming off the parkway from turning right.
"For too long, this intersection has been dangerous and confusing," Simotas said. "This proposal will eliminate dangerous lane-changing maneuvers and guide traffic in a safer, easily-understood lane configuration."
Queens Community Board 1 is expected to consider the proposal next week.
