DOT adds safety measures to Union Tpke crosswalk

The intersection of Park Lane North and Union Turnpike. Photo courtesy of Hevesi

By Rachel Vick

The Department of Transportation updated traffic controls at a Forest Hills intersection on Monday in response to community concern about the intersection’s safety.

Community Board 9 had urged the agency to increase walk signals in March, in an effort to give pedestrians more time to traverse the Park Lane North and Union Turnpike intersection.

The DOT this week acknowledged the request and made the change despite previously saying the intersection was not in need of safety changes.

“I want to thank DOT for adjusting the timing of the traffic controls to create a safer intersection for pedestrians,” said James McClelland, district manager of Community Board 9. “However, we should continuously monitor this area and if warranted employ additional timing and other safety measures.”

A group of community members, led by CB 9, rallied early in April after the DOT initially determined there was no need to update controls at the intersection near Forest Park.

The April 19 letter to Commissioner Ydnais Rodriguez claimed that individuals in the largely residential neighborhood were put at risk while crossing the multiple sections of road in the short period allotted, and by the cars speeding down Union Turnpike to beat the light.

“There is simply not enough time for people to cross the three sections of road needed to carry about their daily lives,” the letter from Community Boards 9 and 6, Assmeblymember Andrew Hevesi and Councilmember Lynn Schulman said.

The letter also urged the agency to conduct a comprehensive traffic study of the roadway between Queens Boulevard and Woodhaven Boulevard to address similar issues at other intersections, and improve to pedestrian and bike access to the park.

“It’s great to see that the Department of Transportation listened to the concerns of the residents,” Schulman said.

“This intersection is dangerous to pedestrians, and with a large senior population in the district it was important that we made sure they had ample time to cross without worrying,” she added. “Small victories like this speak to the heart of Council District 29 by making the voices of our constituents heard.”