Urges DOT To Review Safety Measures
State Sen. Michael Gianaris is pressuring the city Department of Transportation (DOT) to strengthen safety measures around all Ed Koch-Queensboro Bridge off-ramps following yet another accident occurring there last week.
He sent a letter to DOT requesting an immediate comprehensive review of all bridge off-ramps, enhanced remediations to the accident-prone area and that the bridge’s 30 mph speed limit be more strictly enforced.
The latest accident occurred last Tuesday, May 1, at the bridge’s offramp located at Queens Plaza South near Crescent Street in Long Island City. It is the fourth in a series of accidents in the last year occurring at this exact location; two occurred within nine days of each other between March and April 2011, and again the following May.
“The fact that such a concentrated number of accidents occurred at the exact same place and manner in a short period of time makes apparent that more must be done to enhance security at this ramp,” Gianaris said. “Attempts to alleviate the danger surrounding what is now known as a ‘death trap’ are clearly insufficient. Pedestrians, drivers and local businesses in the area should not be perpetually threatened by projectile vehicles coming off the bridge.”
Following last year’s accidents, Gianaris along with Rep. Carolyn Maloney, Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan and City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer sent a letter to the DOT requesting safety improvements and traffic pattern redesigns along this dangerous portion of Queens Plaza.
In response to the officials’ requests, the DOT increased traffic signs and erected barricades in the area, but it is clear that more must be done to ensure everyone’s safety, Gianaris noted.
