The intersection in front of a Woodside school finally has a much-desired safety feature.
After months of advocacy, Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer joined parents and children on July 6 to celebrate the installation of a new traffic signal in front of P.S. 11, also known as The Kathryn Phelan School, on Skillman Avenue.
“I am thrilled that the Department of Transportation has agreed to install these necessary signals and crosswalks in front of P.S. 11,” Van Bramer said. “Vision Zero means that we need to see dangerous areas and prevent potential fatalities before it’s too late. This signal means that before the start of summer school, the children here will be protected.”
The school, which currently enrolls more than 1,000 students, recently underwent a renovation to meet the growing needs of the community. The school’s main entrance was relocated to the intersection of 54th Street and Skillman Avenue.
According to Van Bramer, the new traffic signal will make crossing Skillman Avenue to get to the school or to Woodside Library, which sits across the street, safer and easier.
“DOT is excited to announce the completion of the installation of the signal infrastructure,” said Nicole Garcia, Queens borough commissioner of the city’s Department of Transportation. “The two new traffic signals, which are designed to have coordinated timing, and crosswalks will make it easier for everyone from our seniors to schoolchildren cross the street.”
