City considers one-way streets for two busy Brooklyn roads
The New York City Department of Transportation is studying the feasibility of converting a stretch of Grand Street to one-way eastbound traffic and Metropolitan Avenue to one-way westbound traffic.
Two busy streets in East Williamsburg could soon be reconfigured as one-way roads as the city considers changes aimed at improving traffic flow and pedestrian safety.
The New York City Department of Transportation is studying the feasibility of converting a stretch of Grand Street to one-way eastbound traffic and Metropolitan Avenue to one-way westbound traffic.
The idea comes from NYC DOT community workshops.
The area is a Vision Zero priority area with a history of crashes. City transportation officials say a one-way configuration could simplify traffic patterns, reduce turning conflicts and improve visibility among pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists.
Residents have mixed opinions about the proposal.
“Very busy, trucks, buses, bikes, kids - it’s too much,” said Newkema H., an East Williamsburg resident.
Leticia Orzuna, another resident, opposed the idea.
“No way, absolutely not,” Orzuna said. “It’s a lot of traffic as it is. Imagine a one-way.”
Others said a one-way configuration could make the streets safer by creating more space.
“Technically I guess it would work because this would be wider,” one resident said.
The potential changes could also come with trade-offs. Some bus stops would have to be relocated, driving patterns could change and the city could consider adjustments to parking and loading regulations.
Residents also raised concerns about trucks parked in bus lanes and limited visibility for people crossing the street.
“If this truck is parked right here and my kid has to cross the street, they now have to go into the street just to see if they can get across safely,” Newkema said.
There is currently no formal proposal for a street redesign.
NYC DOT Street Ambassadors have been gathering feedback from local businesses and are asking for public input through an online survey.
The community has until the end of September to weigh in on the potential changes.
Once the survey closes, NYC DOT will compile its findings, which will be shared with the community.
