WILLOWBROOK — Crosswalks and pedestrian crossing signs are to be added to several streets near Staten Island hiking trails to help walkers cross the roads.
Starting on Wednesday, the Department of Transportation will add features to give hikers dedicated spots to cross — and rumble strips in some spots to warn drivers — on Rockland Avenue, Manor Road and Todt Hill Road, Assemblyman Michael Cusick announced.
"The Greenbelt is a crown jewel of our Island, preserved for eternity for the public to enjoy," Cusick said in a statement.
"We want to make certain that anyone using these trails can do so safely and the safety improvements we are announcing today will go a long way in achieving that goal, both for trail users and for motorists."
On Rockland Avenue, along the Greenbelt's Blue Trail, the city will install a marked crosswalk, pedestrian crossing signs and roadway markings near the intersections of Tonking and Manor roads, Cusick said.
A pedestrian island to shorten the crossing distance and rumble strips to warn drivers will also be added to the spot.
"While hiking on our trails you might feel like you are in a secluded spot in the Catskills for large sections of the hike, but soon enough you will be jolted back to reality when you must cross a busy road," Borough President James Oddo said in a statement.
"This signage is important to keep all who use our trails safer and to encourage more to explore our open spaces"
The city will also add the crossing and signs on Manor Road, near the intersection of Rockland Avenue that crosses the Yellow Trail, Cusick said.
Signs will also be added to the intersection of Todt Hill and Circle roads on the Yellow Trail and east and west of Rockland Avenue and Manor Road on the Yellow Trail.
Crews will start work on the signs and roadway marking on Wednesday at Rockland Avenue and Tonking Road, Rockland Avenue and Manor Road and Todt Hill and Circle roads, Cusick said.
The remaining work won't be done until the end of October as the city repaves Manor Road and Rockland Avenue.