By Sadef Ali Kully
Three new traffic signals along Brookville Boulevard in Rosedale were unveiled post-installation last Friday by the city Department of Transportation after a push by elected leaders for a new study to help make the street safe for community members and visitors to Brookville Park.
Brookville Boulevard, which runs alongside the park, now has traffic signals, crossing signals and proper crosswalks at 143rd, 144th and Newhall avenues.
The press conference revealed new traffic signals, crossing signals and crosswalks included Councilman Donovan Richards (D-Laurelton) and DOT Queens Borough Commissioner Nicole Garcia.
“For years, residents have been crossing Brookville Boulevard to get to Brookville Park at their own risk while cars sped down the road without any traffic lights,” Richards said. “Thankfully, the New York City Department of Transportation heard our cries and came through with three crossing signals that will ensure everyone can safely cross Brookville when they are visiting the park. It is great when we can accomplish good things for the community without something bad happening first.”
The winding, treacherous road, known as Snake Road for its curvy path alongside the park, forks out from Elmont Road in Cambria Heights and ends by connecting to Rockaway Boulevard near Thurston Basin on the border of Nassau and Queens. Snake Road has been the scene of fatal accidents over the last several years due to speeding as well as drag racing, such as a crash that took place last year in April killing an 18-year-old man.
Richards said he had requested that DOT do the study of the road along Brookville Park to give residents safer passage across the busy boulevard. After the study was completed, the city’s Department of Transportation decided to add the three signals and fully completed the installations in June.
“These three new signals highlight [Richards’s] advocacy to make traffic move more smoothly and predictably, creating a safer crossing along Brookville Boulevard for everyone looking to enjoy the park,” Garcia said.
Reach Reporter Sadef Ali Kully by e-mail at skull
