Sunday, May 17, 2009

Main and Union Streets to become one-way

From the Times Ledger:

Queens DOT Commissioner Maura McCarthy briefed members of the Flushing Business Improvement District last Thursday on the long−awaited plan that will transform Main and Union streets into one−way thoroughfares as soon as this fall.

Under the plan, Main Street will be converted to one−way northbound and Union Street will be one−way southbound from Northern Boulevard to Sanford Avenue. The sidewalks along both streets would be extended to an average of 20 feet to accommodate additional pedestrian traffic.

McCarthy stressed the need for the project, pointing to a DOT−commissioned study that found that the corner of Roosevelt and Main streets has more than 97,000 pedestrians pass through in a 12−hour period — leaving the Flushing crossroads behind only Times Square and 34th Street in Manhattan in terms of busiest intersections in the city.

12 comments:

Evan said...

That'll solve the overcrowding problem so we can build more and more. Development $$$ make me and Mom very happy campers.

Evan

Anonymous said...

Not sure I understand this -- one way streets have been show to be more dangerous than two-way (calms car traffic). The City is converting other streets to two-way, why do the opposite here?

Anyway, the wider sidewalks will be much appreciated!

Sergey Kadinsky said...

What I would like to know is how the new one-way routes will affect the numerous bus lines that begin in Flushing.

My proposal- turn the Flushing Commons parking lot into a terminal for the dozen bus lines that terminate in Flushing, similar to the 165th Street Terminal in Jamaica.

Queens Crapper said...

Yes, DOT seems to be aware...

McCarthy said one of the biggest obstacles is going to be rerouting mass transit in the region.

“Obviously we have been working with the bus officials closely on this because we’re going to have to relocate a lot of bus stops,” she said.

Anonymous said...

Oh God, this is going to be a laugh and a half to watch. When this plan is implemented, I am bringing my camcorder, and a cooler of refreshments to the corner of Main and Roosie to watch the mass confusion!! This will be infinitely more entertaining than anything they can present down the road at Shitty Field!!!! Enyone want to join me????

Anonymous said...

This will only enhance the DWO problem in Flushing.

Anonymous said...

"What I would like to know is how the new one-way routes will affect the numerous bus lines that begin in Flushing."

Forget that.. how will this affect the Police station and the Fire house on Union St.. it will increase response times

Anonymous said...

More of Flushing liu-nacy!!!!

Anonymous said...

The local residents can't drive as is. When this goes into effect, Main Street is going to look like a Beijing demolition derby. I'll bring the popcorn!

Anonymous said...

The block between Main and Union Streets is a long and steep one.. one more reason to create a one-stop easy-to-find place for all bus lines converging on Downtown Flushing.

Anonymous said...

Dear God. This is one of the dumbest ideas in a while. I have to agree with one poster though, it'll be fun to watch. Then when I go to work I'll switch from amusment to being pissed off and ready to hit people.

Anonymous said...

This should be fun to watch. Bigger sidewalks will lead to more street vendors, thus negating the effects of the bigger sidewalks. This will cause way to much confusion/congestion as if if already isn't present. More dump ideas by DOT.