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SAFETY14%decrease in crashesafter Southern BlvdimprovementsEXEMPLARY PROJECTS1SOUTHERN BOULEVARDThe following descriptions show how DOT’s traffic expertscombine street safety elements into create projects tailored tovery specific conditions and issues in particular intersectionsand corridors on the streets of New York.Long crossing distances, vehiclepedestrian conflicts, trafficcongestion and the complicatedgeometry of this South Bronxintersection made it particularlydangerous before 2010, whenDOT implemented a thorough setof safety treatments. The junctionof Southern Boulevard, HuntsPoint Ave, and East 163rd Streetcreated a five legged intersectionat Crames Square. The areahas bus and subway stops thatgenerate high pedestrian volumes.In response to community concernsabout pedestrian safety andaccess, DOT conducted a publicworkshop and developed a plan toaddress dangerous conditions.The project combined severaltraffic calming elements to improvesafety, better connect pedestriandestinations, beautify the area, andreduce traffic congestion. In someinstances, pedestrians crossingdistances were reduced by as muchas 40 feet.Following implementation, thenumber of crashes declined by14% and travel speeds improvedby 35% in the evening rush.The work narrowed SouthernBoulevard and installed paintedmedians, pedestrian refuge islandsand left turn bays. The pedestrianplaza at Crames Square wasexpanded, shortening pedestriancrossing distances. DOT simplifiedsignal phasing and eliminatedlow volume turns in Crames Squareand converted Hoe Avenue toone way. The project demonstrateshow signal timing changes andrelatively inexpensive materialssuch as pavement markings andcarefully placed concrete cansignificantly improve pedestrianaccess and safety.20Chapter 1: Designing Safe Streets