I Bike NY

From Times Square Closure

Many predicted midtown gridlock, business failure, and widespread confusion. Surprisingly after one week, the closure of Broadway has not brought on the Apocalypse. In fact, traffic may actually be moving better.

I spent the majority of last week in the field monitoring traffic in and around Times Square. DOT staff were placed at key intersections and observations were made from 11th Avenue to 5th Avenue and from Columbus Circle to Herald Square. In addition, there was always at least one staff member on duty at 48th and Broadway instructing drivers that if they wished to continue south, they needed to make a left and use 7th Avenue. It was shocking how many drivers still did not realize they could not go straight on Broadway, despite multiple signs on every block and large electronic highway signs throughout midtown that had been in place for weeks.

While directing traffic I was also informally collecting feedback, as many drivers would offer their opinion on the change. Most drivers were thankful for the directions, and continued on slightly confused, but not upset. A few however, offered harsh criticism. One cop said this would make it hard for them to respond to jobs and would “put the city in a depression”. A hotel doorman flatly stated that the plan wouldn’t work and a condo property manager was concerned about the lost loading zone in front of his building. A few motorists said this was “the stupidest thing the Mayor has done” and one said Bloomberg should retire and “go feed pigeons in the park.” Many people complained that it took them much longer to get to where they wanted to go, but I just don’t think that is true. The DOT is collecting detailed traffic data and at some point will likely release the results, but from my casual observation, traffic looked no worse than on any other workday in midtown.

So not only has the city created an amazing new public space, it appears traffic is no worse, and is perhaps moving better. This was, after all, the point of the project, as it was approved as a traffic and safety improvement. Broadway breaks our grid and creates nasty intersections (but distinctive public spaces) where it intersects with the avenues. Its still early, but it seems closing Broadway at these intersections was the right medicine, and travel times up 6th Avenue and down 7th Avenue may improve once people are comfortable with the reconfiguration.

I really want this project to be a success.  A catastrophic failure would make it difficult for the agency to continue the great work it has done under Sadik-Khan.  I also hope it works because for the first time since I have lived here, I actually like Times Square.

From Times Square Closure

Many have derided this project as something for the tourists or the elite, but I think it is something that every New Yorker can enjoy.  Imagine wanting to go to Times Square. How strange.  Since I have lived here it has been a place to be avoided at all costs. A place where swarms of bewildered and bedazzled tourists hogged the sidewalks, walking at a snails pace while the rest of us have to get somewhere.  The beautiful thing about this project is it has given those tourists a place to lounge and linger, and returned the sidewalks to fast-walking midtown office workers, many of whom might choose to eat lunch in the plaza later that afternoon.  The potential of the space is incredible, and relaxing in the middle of Broadway is delightfully surreal.  I’m excited to see the finished product, and am confident its something that will fundamentally change the New York experience.

From Times Square Closure

Filed under: DOT updates