DOT to Present Ideas for Brooklyn’s Most Notorious Intersection

flatbush_crash.jpgThe confluence of Flatbush, Atlantic, and Fourth Avenues is a traffic nightmare of epic proportions right smack next to a huge transit hub and shopping center. (We hear some sort of arena and housing complex might get built there too.) Crossing the street here is an unwelcome adventure for thousands of pedestrians every day, and biking is out of the question for the vast majority of cyclists.

Now the good news: DOT is considering changes for the area — especially the pedestrian crossings — and the agency’s ideas will get a public airing tonight at a presentation to Community Board 2. Community groups are encouraging Brooklynites to show up and share their suggestions. Here are the details:

DOT presentation to CB2 Transportation Committee
Tuesday, October 21, at 6 p.m.
St. Francis College, 180 Remsen Street in Brooklyn Heights

Photo: Develop Don’t Destroy Brooklyn

Graphic of crashes and fatalities near Atlantic Terminal, 1995-2005: CrashStat

  • Does “pedestrian crossings” refer to elevated pedestrian walkways? I can’t imagine this would be a good idea since everywhere these are installed, traffic speeds up and becomes more dangerous, and the walkways often become dangerous, indefensible spaces.

    Better would be to slow traffic down and/or re-organize the traffic flow to make car-pedestrian encounters slower and more predictable.

  • v

    lighting pedestrians on fire and shooting them across this intersection in catapults would be an improvement. i am thrilled that DOT is looking to make some changes.

  • Mike

    The proposals are excellent. They involve closing slip ramps, better signal timing for pedestrians (including a Barnes Dance), and traffic calming.

  • Martin

    Thanks for the laugh, V. I like your style.

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