By Carlotta Mohamed
The Department of Transportation (DOT) will install a new traffic signal next year at the Fresh Meadows traffic circle at the intersection of 188th Street and 64th Avenue, according to state Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky.
On Dec. 18, the DOT informed Stavisky of the installation at the southbound lane of the traffic circle, which is scheduled to be completed by March 31, 2019.
DOT Queens Borough Commissioner Nicole Garcia had previously reached out to Stavisky regarding the intersection.
The local civic associations have been working closely to improve safety at the traffic circle.
Other planned safety features for the traffic circle include repainting traffic marking and installing new pedestrian islands, according to the DOT.
“I am glad the Department of Transportation has listened to the concerns of the community and will take action to improve the Fresh Meadows traffic circle,” said Stavisky. “I want to thank the Fresh Meadows Homeowners Association, the Utopia Estates Civic Association and Commissioner Garcia for working with the communities to improve traffic safety in this area. Government works best when it positively responds to the needs of the community.”
The traffic circle is located close to a major shopping center in the neighborhood as well as several local restaurants and several large apartment buildings.
Reach reporter Carlotta Mohamed by e-mail at cmoha
