what's new DOT implementing slow zones throughout city BY ANGY ALTAMIRANO The city’s Vision Zero traffic safety plan will be implemented at two highly trafficked Queens thoroughfares where collisions have claimed more than 20 lives in the last six years, officials said. The Department of Transportation announced May 1 that Northern and Queens boulevards would become part of 25 planned Arterial Slow Zones implemented throughout the five boroughs. “I am pleased to bring the Arterial Slow Zone program to Northern Boulevard where long crosswalks and high speeds have been an unnecessary reality for too many Queens residents,” DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg said. The first phase of a Slow Zone for Northern Boulevard will run 4.2 miles long from 40th Road to 114th Street. The speed limit will be lowered to 25 mph and traffic signals will be retimed. Since 2008, there have been five fatalities on Northern Boulevard, according to the DOT. One of the recent accidents involved 8-year-old Noshat Nahian, who was fatally struck by a truck on his way to school on Northern Boulevard and 61st Street. Last month the DOT announced it would install two pedestrian safety islands at the intersection, 10 MAY 2014 I LIC COURIER I www.queenscourier.com and remove the westbound left turn bay and signal on Northern Boulevard to eliminate possible vehicle and pedestrian collisions. “Bringing an arterial slow zone to Northern Boulevard is a huge victory for our entire community,” said Council Member Julissa Ferreras. In July, the DOT will implement a Slow Zone on Queens Boulevard, which has seen 23 deaths in the past six years. The Slow Zone will stretch 7.4 miles from Jackson Avenue to Hillside Avenue. “I am thrilled to be here on Northern Boulevard with Commissioner Trottenberg announcing safety improvements, rather than with a grieving family begging the city to take actions,” state Sen. Michael Gianaris said. “Too many lives have been lost on Northern and Queens Boulevard, and many other dangerous roads throughout our city.” The city agency also announced Slow Zones would go up on Jamaica Avenue later this month, and Rockaway Boulevard in August. For more information on the Slow Zones, visit www.nyc.gov/dot or www.nyc.gov/visionzero. THE COURIER/Photo by Angy Altamirano SLOWING DOWN
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