Work has begun on the redesign of the East Village’s popular Avenue B Open Street, bringing expanded pedestrian space, new cycling connections, and safety upgrades. The city’s Department of Transportation (DOT) on Monday announced the start of construction on the project, which will upgrade the corridor from East 4th Street to East 12th Street. The redesign includes intersection improvements, new loading zones, and one-way traffic reversals aimed at reducing vehicle volumes along Avenue B and improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
The new design converts vehicle traffic to northbound only between East 7th Street and East 10th Street, limiting traffic to necessary local access. Emergency vehicles and city services, such as sanitation trucks, will still be able to access the avenue under the new design.
Every intersection in the project area will receive new pedestrian curb extensions protected by planters, bike corrals, granite blocks, and other elements. The sidewalk expansions are expected to provide a triple benefit: creating more public space for pedestrians, shortening crossing distances, and improving visibility between pedestrians and other road users.
DOT will also install neighborhood loading zones at the start and end of each block to reduce large truck traffic along the corridor. Vans will be permitted to use the corridor for deliveries, loading, and unloading. Pedestrians are encouraged to continue using the Avenue B Open Street during its daily hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The project builds upon the successful Open Street, which for years has provided much-needed recreation space and safer connections for pedestrians and cyclists to Tompkins Square Park and nearby schools.
“For years, East Village neighbors have championed, activated, and advocated for a calmer, more people-first Avenue B, and we’re thrilled to see NYC DOT making that vision a reality,” Jackson Chabot, director of advocacy and organization at Open Plans, said.
“Avenue B’s Open Street has been a shining example of what’s possible when we prioritize people over cut-through traffic, and this investment builds on that success,” he added.
DOT expects the project to be completed within the next several weeks, weather permitting.
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