Several elected officials are urging the Department of Transportation to take action at a hazardous intersection near a public school in Queensboro Hill, where students report increased danger during morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal.
Council Member Sandra Ung, State Sen. John Liu, and Assembly Member Nily Rozic have called on Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez to install a stop sign at 136th Street and 58th Road. Their request follows a presentation by the Student Government of P.S. 120Q, which highlighted safety concerns at the busy crossing.
As part of their research, students observed that more than 300 people cross the intersection daily, with the risk of speeding vehicles peaking during school arrival and dismissal times. They also noted that on the day of their study, 18 children were seen navigating the intersection alone, while narrow streets and intense morning sun glare on 136th Street further compromised visibility.
Ung commended the P.S. 120Q Student Government for carrying out the research and noted that the DOT installed a traffic light at P.S. 22Q last year after a student was hit by a car. She said the DOT should not “wait for another tragedy to happen before making common-sense improvements.”
“These students are not just advocating for their own safety, but for the well-being of their entire community. We have seen firsthand how dangerous intersections near schools can lead to tragic consequences,” Ung said in a statement.
Rozic, meanwhile, offered her “full support” to students at P.S. 120Q, stating that the Student Government has made a compelling case for improved safety measures at the school.
“Their advocacy is a powerful reminder that our youngest neighbors often offer solutions we may overlook. I look forward to working alongside Council Member Sandra Ung, Senator John Liu and other community leaders to prioritize these critical safety measures,” Rozic said.
Liu said the advocacy of students at the school is inspiring, adding that adults need to sometimes stop and pay attention to children.
“The students of PS 120 see the dangers of this intersection on a daily basis and they are absolutely right to demand action,” Liu said in a statement.
Ung, Liu and Rozic have called on the Department of Transportation to install a four-way stop sign at the intersection, emphasizing the need to take proactive measures to protect students and the greater community before a “preventable tragedy” occurs.
The DOT has not yet responded to a request for comment.
