DOT: Some Restrictions Will Remain
Two-way traffic flow was restored to Liberty Avenue between 93rd Street and Cross Bay Boulevard in Ozone Park on Tuesday, Apr. 24, the city Department of Transportation (DOT) announced.
Through traffic will remain restricted, with eastbound Liberty Avenue traffic continuing to be directed to southbound Cross Bay Boulevard.
The change follows the DOT’s reevaluation of the one-way, eastbound traffic-flow conversion of that section, which took place in 2010 as part of a larger safety and mobility initiative.
That project was designed to enhance safety for all street users and included changes to Liberty Avenue, Rockaway Boulevard and Cross Bay Boulevard.
Since its implementation, crashes at Cross Bay Boulevard/94th Street and Liberty Avenue have declined by 54 percent, according to the agency. The DOT has continued to monitor the area since the adjustments, and has worked with City Council Member Eric Ulrich and Community Board 10 to develop this plan, which restores two-way vehicle access to local businesses and parking.
To build on earlier safety and mobility gains, DOT also will be restricting left turns from eastbound Rockaway Boulevard onto northbound Woodhaven Boulevard. This will help reduce pedestrian and motorist conflicts along this well-traveled retail corridor, as well as improve traffic flow.
“Our streets are more than just travel lanes, they also drive our local economy,” said DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan in a statement. “We continue to work with local communities in Ozone Park to engineer streets that are better for business and improve the safety and mobility for everyone using them.”
“DOT is making things right again,” said Ulrich. “Allowing twoway traffic along Liberty Avenue will boost small businesses there and offer drivers a more convenient commute in and around Ozone Park.”
