DOT to cut driving lanes on Park Avenue to allow more green space, pedestrian safety

The plan, which is over a year old and was launched under former Mayor Eric Adams, entails outfitting 11 blocks of the world-famous two-way thoroughfare from East 46th to East 57th Streets with more plants, seating and “streetscape amenities.”

The proposal would remove one vehicle travel lane in each direction. Officials said this would allow medians to expand and accommodate seating, plantings and other pedestrian and cycling amenities. New crosswalks would connect the medians along the corridor. 

Details on bike lane connections have not been announced yet. However, transit reps said potential cycling improvements are being studied in coordination with the city’s broader bike network. A typical median could include planting areas, a north-south bike lane and a pedestrian pathway.

“With this new redesign, we are putting the ‘Park’ back into Park Avenue and upgrading Midtown Manhattan by providing residents and visitors alike with more usable public space,” the mayor said in a statement. “Our city’s public spaces must better serve the public, and my administration has made this a priority through bold infrastructure investments and street redesigns.”

NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Mike Flynn said the makeover will make the travel space more comfortable for pedestrians and cyclists.

“Whether you’re walking, biking or just looking for a place to sit and take a break, this project is about making Park Avenue work better for you” Flynn said. “We’re turning underused space into something welcoming, functional and vibrant for the people who live, work and spend time on this iconic street.”

The design concepts were developed through community engagement, including a public survey, stakeholder interviews, workshops and meetings with community boards and local organizations, city officials said. More public workshops are planned. The city will use the architectural firm announced for the project last year, Starr Whitehouse Landscape Architects and Planners, LLC.

Meanwhile, some area politicians and open-plans advocates applauded the street’s ongoing overhaul.

“New York City residents will benefit from the transformational redesign to improve 11 of New York’s most famous city-blocks for years to come,” Rep. Jerry Nadler (Upper West Side), said. “The proposal will modernize the area into a safer, greener space while balancing the needs of all modes of transportation so vehicles, cyclists and especially pedestrians can enjoy Park Avenue. 

Sara Lind, co-executive director of Open Plans, said the redesign markes a “welcome change” in the Big Apple.

“Eliminating two lanes of car traffic to create space for people to walk, bike and gather is a huge step towards reimagining NYC streets,” Lind said. “We are encouraged by the steady stream of projects that center people and active mobility that we’ve seen over the last 100 days, and we hope the DOT and Mamdani administration continue their bold leadership in the months to come.”

However, last year, some New Yorkers told amNewYork that they have concerns about the redesign. 

“I work in this building,” said Tyjuan, who works at Park Avenue and 46th Street. “There is so much traffic on this street. I don’t see how they can do it.”

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