Safety changes coming to roads near Kensington schools
The section of Coney Island Avenue between Hinckley Place and Turner Place will also be getting a median to break up the crosswalk, painted curb extensions, as well as standardized direction for traffic on nearby roads.
More Stories
The roads near P.S. 889 and M.S. 890 in Kensington are getting safety upgrades.
As part of the city's expansion of School Safety Zones, the speed limit has been reduced from 20 mph to 15 mph. In addition, the section of Coney Island Avenue between Hinckley Place and Turner Place will receive a median to break up the crosswalk, painted curb extensions and standardized traffic directions on nearby roads.
News 12 has previously covered calls to make the roads in the area safer. Residents like Rachel Goldstein say the changes have been a long time coming.
“Over the past eight or 10 years...first we got a crosswalk. And then just in the past two years, I would say we got a traffic light to be able to cross Coney, so that was great. And now I saw that they're putting in the traffic island, which will make it even better," Goldstein said.
City data shows about 700 students are in the area during arrival and dismissal times. The New York City Department of Transportation says the goal of the changes is to make crossings safer, shorter and more visible for pedestrians while also improving traffic flow.
City data shows 65 people were injured along Coney Island Avenue between Hinckley Place and Turner Place from 2021 through 2025.
“You know, better late than never. We’re glad it’s happening. Anything is an improvement," Goldstein said.
Business owners in the area, including Val Avrason, say traffic congestion affects business.
“It's a huge traffic and the traffic makes it impossible for businesses to operate," Avrason said.
The NYC DOT says the project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
