Bowery Traffic Configuration at Delancey Intersection is Changing Soon

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The traffic configuration at Bowery and Delancey is likely to change imminently, as previously reported. A DOT crew was at the intersection sometime in the last week, having painted the pavement with measurements and diagrams.

With the confluence of two major arteries, one of which feeding the Williamsburg Bridge, this particular junction is deadly. City data reveals that there have been 87 injuries here in the years between 2008 and 2010, 14 of which involved pedestrians. The DOT hopes this round of changes actually makes a difference, since their past efforts were all but useless.

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Here’s what motorists, pedestrians, and bikers can expect from the tweak in roadwork geometry. Ground break can’t be too far away.

• Shift southbound (Bowery) left turn bay and create an additional through lane with two full-time receiving lanes to ease congestion. That’s two lanes plus the dedicated turn lane to help alleviate traffic.

• Implement a new “signal phase,” which is still being tested around the city. The light system includes a flashing yellow arrow that tells turning motorists to yield to pedestrians.

• Reshape island (at Delancey) to allow for easier turns. The new road barrier will include tree pits for beautification.

• Extend the “neck” of pedestrian space at the southeast corner around the bend and onto the Bowery.

• Replace the decrepit old median at Spring Street to improve pedestrian safety with a place for waiting.

• Expanding the “No Stopping Anytime” zone at the northeast corner of Bowery and Delancey by 70 feet so that it reaches the subway stairwell.

• 11 seconds of lead time for northbound pedestrians crossing Delancey, during which time no left-turning cars from Bowery will threaten death. However, the overall crossing time will not be changing here.

Community Board 3 had unanimously approved these upgrades back in February.