LOWER EAST SIDE — The city is installing “pedestrian safety improvements” on Clinton Street next spring, the Department of Transportation announced Thursday afternoon.
The agency plans to install a mid-block crosswalk and traffic signal between Grand Street and East Broadway, according to a press release.
The announcement came roughly three months after nearby residents interrupted a press conference celebrating the construction of more than 1,000 bike lanes citywide.
Officials said the recently installed protected bike lane on Clinton Street would increase traffic safety for cyclists, pedestrians and motorists, but a small group of locals disagreed.
Crossing the street became more dangerous than ever, they argued, adding that pedestrians had to keep an eye out for bicyclists in addition to vehicles accessing the Williamsburg Bridge and doubled-parked delivery trucks that block their line of sight.
The conditions were especially risky because the community has a large population of young families and elderly residents, many of whom live in the Seward Park Co-op, locals said.
In response to residents’ concerns, the agency met with Frank Durant, the general manager of Seward Park Co-op, as well as representatives of local elected officials for a walkthrough of the block in September, according to the DOT’s announcement.
The agency conducted a study that included counts of pedestrians and vehicles, vehicle speeds, crash history and other factors, it said.
“DOT is pleased to work with the community on improvements that can make its neighborhood safer and more livable, and we thank the seniors and families of Seward Park Co-op for engaging with us,” said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg.
