Eyes on the Street: Phase 2 of Queens Boulevard Redesign Takes Shape

Green paint is down on a new section of the Queens Boulevard bike lane in Elmhurst.

The second phase of the Queens Boulevard redesign runs from 74th Street to Eliot Avenue [PDF], extending east from phase one, which was implemented in Woodside last year. After construction wraps up this summer, there will be 2.5 miles of continuous median-aligned bike lanes on the most important east-west route in Queens.

In addition to the bike lane, the project calms car traffic and creates safer walking conditions. Below is a new crosswalk at a stop-controlled transition from the center roadway to the service road at Cornish Avenue. Previously, the design enabled drivers to merge quickly, without stopping.

The outline of new stop-controlled transitions between the main road and the service road at Cornish Avenue. Photo: @TransitNinja205
Photo: @TransitNinja205

The project is still a work in progress. Still to come, among other things, are plastic posts to separate the bike lane from motor vehicle traffic.

DOT crews installing the new protected bike lane earlier this month at Kneeland Street. Photo: DOT
DOT crews painting the new bike lane earlier this month at Kneeland Street. Photo: NYC DOT

Phase 3 will extend improvements to Rego Park and Forest Hills next year. In 2018, the city will begin to build out these changes in concrete.

ALSO ON STREETSBLOG

The Boulevard of Life, Phase 2: DOT’s Plan for Queens Blvd in Elmhurst

By David Meyer |
Last night DOT presented a plan to redesign Queens Boulevard in Elmhurst with protected bike lanes and pedestrian safety improvements to Community Board 4 [PDF]. While local Council Member Danny Dromm has supported the project, DOT may have to proceed without an endorsement from CB 4, judging by the reactions of key board members. Queens Boulevard is designed […]