A dangerous three-way intersection in Prospect Heights is getting a makeover that locals say will make it less deadly to pedestrians.
The troubled three-way junction of Atlantic, Washington, and Underhill avenues at the border of Clinton Hill, where there were six crashes last year — including one in which a pedestrian was injured — will get new pedestrian islands, crosswalks, turning restrictions and extended crossing times in a move a local administrator says is a no-brainer.
“It’s hard to come out in opposition to pedestrian safety,” said Robert Perris, Community Board 2’s district manager.
The city hopes the changes will help end conflicts between cars turning from Washington on to Atlantic and those crossing over Atlantic from Washington onto Underhill.
The new tweaks come on the heels of Department of Transportation changes to Washington Avenue near Lowry Triangle, at the Prospect Heights end of the intersection, which were implemented in 2011. Roads honchos say those changes helped reduce crashes on the stretch of Washington between Lincoln Place and Dean Street by an average of 30 smashups per year.
But Perris said pedestrian improvements are getting tough to balance with the reality of an area traveled heavily by motor vehicles.
“As the various changes accrue, it gets harder and harder to get around in a car,” he said.
Board 2 approved the plan with a vote of 32–4 and three abstentions, but also asked the city to consider further turning restrictions at nearby intersections. Neighboring Community Board 8 approved the measures unanimously with requests for bollards at one end of the intersection, the removal of some parking spaces to increase visibility, and the closing of Underhill to car traffic between Atlantic and Pacific Street.
The city says turning restrictions will be implemented in the coming weeks on Washington headed towards Prospect Heights, with the rest of the changes being made by the spring.
