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IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2024
Contact: (212) 839-4850, [email protected]

Broadway Vision: NYC DOT Completes Latest Phase of Broadway Redesign With New Plaza, Two-way Bike Connections Above Union Square

Transformational Redesign of Broadway, From East 17th Street to East 21st Street, Dramatically Improves Safety and Experience for Pedestrians and Cyclists With New Plaza, Public Seating, Shared Streets, and Two-Way Bike Connections

City To Begin Public Engagement Later This Year on Next Phase of Broadway Upgrades

Cyclists and pedestrians travel along the newly redesigned plaza block on Broadway, from East 17th Street to East 18th Street. Credit: NYC DOT

NEW YORK - New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today announced the completion of the latest phase of the city's transformative redesign of Broadway, known as Broadway Vision. The phase included the installation of a new plaza with public seating, two-way bike connections, and Shared Streets, which naturally slow traffic and increase pedestrian space, between East 17th Street and East 21st Street. These new spaces will be maintained by NYC DOT's partners, the Union Square Partnership and the Flatiron NoMad Partnership. The transformative redesign will dramatically improve safety and the experience for pedestrians and cyclists.

"Through Broadway Vision we are transforming streets that were once choked with vehicle traffic into calm, welcoming places for New Yorkers and visitors to relax, dine out, shop, and meet one another," said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. "This latest phase dramatically expands pedestrian space just north of Union Square, with public seating, improved pedestrian crossings, and two-way bike connections. These changes make our streets safer, support businesses, and bring New Yorkers together."

The dramatic improvements are the latest in the city's nationally acclaimed transformation of Broadway as a pedestrian- and cycling-first corridor from, Union Square to Columbus Circle, with safe and vibrant public spaces. The stretch of Broadway between East 17th to East 21st streets now includes several traffic-calming treatments and public space enhancements:

• A new Pedestrian Plaza between17th and 18th streets;
• Curb extensions and narrower turns to reduce speeding and create safer turning movements;
• Shortened crossings and wider crosswalks to enhance pedestrian safety;
• Two-way bike boulevard treatments, along with related signage and signals;
• Reconfigured curb lanes to facilitate loading and pickups/drop offs; and
• Additional public space and cycling amenities, like seating, planters, and additional bike parking.

An illustration of the implemented redesign of Broadway Vision, from East 17th Street to East 21st Street. Credit: NYC DOT

The completion of this project marks 19 blocks along Broadway that have been transformed into plazas or shared/slow streets through the Broadway Vision plan - creating 17,000 new square feet of pedestrian space between Union Square and Columbus Circle, as well as 13,000 square feet of new shared space. Shared streets - also known as 'pedestrian-priority' streets - are roadways designed for slow travel speeds where pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists all share the right of way. Typically used on low vehicle-volume or high pedestrian-volume streets, vehicles are advised to drive five miles per hour.

NYC DOT plans to launch public engagement later this year to discuss future Broadway Vision upgrades with the public.

"The transformation of Broadway has created new world-class public space in Union Square, and the impact is already palpable. We are proud to invite folks to our new signature plaza block on Broadway between 17th and 18th Streets, one of New York City's most picturesque destinations to shop, eat and relax. On behalf of Union Square Partnership, I'd like to extend our heart-felt congratulations to NYC DOT for completing this phase of the project, connecting Union Square into a remarkable network of pedestrian-first spaces," said Julie Stein, executive director, Union Square Partnership. "We look forward to advancing many more streetscape improvements and public space investments with the city, ultimately fulfilling our USQNext Vision Plan to modernize the public realm throughout our district."

"As a leader in district management and innovation, we are thrilled to celebrate the latest pedestrian-friendly improvements of Broadway Vision," said James Mettham, president of the Flatiron NoMad Partnership. "This extension builds on over a decade of innovation, transforming Broadway into a safer, more vibrant corridor. We are proud to be setting the gold standard for what a 'New' New York can be with our NYC DOT and BID partners."

"For too long, our city has been dominated by cars and treated pedestrians as second-class citizens," said U.S. Representative Jerrold Nadler. "While closing Broadway to car traffic years ago was a revolutionary idea, we know it worked to enhance pedestrian and traffic safety. I applaud today's completion of the Broadway Vision, which will bring our city another step closer to safer, calmer streets where pedestrians and bicyclists are the priority-not cars."

"Every time a new stretch of Broadway Vision is unveiled, we're reminded of the possibility our streets hold. Not only can our streets be successfully shared by pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, but doing so makes the street grid safer, diversifies the way New Yorkers and visitors use this public space, and positively impacts the economy," said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. "Thank you to the Department of Transportation, Union Square Partnership, and the Flatiron NoMad Partnership for working to transform Broadway into a more vibrant, multidimensional corridor."

"The ongoing redesign of Broadway can serve as a model for the five boroughs and cities across the country to enhance safety and accessibility for all. By pedestrianizing spaces and opening our streets to people, we are supporting local businesses and making our communities stronger and more vibrant," said Councilmember Carlina Rivera. "I commend the administration for their ongoing commitment and partnership to improve street safety and transform Broadway into a modern metropolitan corridor."

"We love to see DOT continue to transform Broadway for the better," said Jackson Chabot, director of advocacy and organizing at Open Plans. "What was once an unwelcoming, dangerous thoroughfare is now a destination thanks to a people-centered approach. New public seating, cycling infrastructure, traffic calming, plantings, and curb reform make it possible to utilize valuable city space much more efficiently, and serve far more New Yorkers than the old car-centric Broadway ever could. Kudos to DOT for their ongoing commitment to keeping New Yorkers safe and to enhancing our experience of our streets; we can't wait to see what's next for Broadway."

"The completion of the latest phase of the Broadway Vision project is another important step in making the transformed Broadway corridor one of the city's most exciting public spaces. New Yorkers and out-of-town visitors alike flock to Broadway every day on foot and by bike to dine, shop, stroll, or to enjoy a low-stress segment of their bicycle commutes," said Eric McClure executive director at StreetsPAC. "We applaud the Department of Transportation for the innovative work they've done along Broadway, and are grateful to the Union Square Partnership and the Flatiron NoMad Partnerships for their integral roles in maintaining and promoting this portion of the new Broadway."

"We applaud Commissioner Rodriguez and DOT for continuing to transform this iconic street into a safer, more vibrant corridor that prioritizes people over cars," said Ken Podziba, CEO of Bike New York. "A new public plaza, two-way bike connections, and shared streets are a major step forward that will enable New Yorkers to walk, bike, drive, and congregate much more safely and comfortably. 'Broadway Vision' is an excellent blueprint for reimagining public spaces and how we want the city to look in the future."

"We're glad to see Broadway - one of New York City's most iconic streets - receive another upgrade with new pedestrian plazas, two-way bike boulevards, and smart street redesigns to slow down cars and discourage vehicle traffic," said Elizabeth Adams, interim co-executive director at Transportation Alternatives. "This project makes it clear: Streets for people are an overwhelming success, and we'll keep fighting for a car-free and people-first Broadway from Columbus Circle to Union Square."

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