DOT looking at improvements for Ocean Parkway

Local elected officials want some say as to how the city implements safety improvements to a pair of local roadways.

After last month’s announcement of $6 million in funding secured for signage and other improvements for a safer Ocean Parkway, Assemblymember Dov Hikind met with the city’s Department of Transportation (DOT) Brooklyn Commissioner Keith Bray on Tuesday, September 17 at the intersection of Ocean and Bay Parkways to give him a personal tour of the high-traffic area.

“I’m relieved that after so many complaints, results are finally coming to Ocean Parkway and Bay Parkway, which has seen more than its share of tragic accidents,” Hikind said. “This is a horribly dangerous intersection. I’ve personally observed how easy it is for drivers to hit a pedestrian or bicyclist.”

As this paper previously reported, the allocation is part of the NY Works program—a statewide capital plan that involves a task force bringing together leading finance, labor, planning and transportation professionals to coordinate an infrastructure plan for a more effective and strategic allocation of New York’s capital investment funding.

For Ocean Parkway, the funding will go toward new and improved signage for pedestrians and motorists, as well as other fixes to enhance the safety of the roads.

Councilmember Mark Treyger, alongside Councilmember David Greenfield, has also fought for a safer Ocean Parkway, penning several letters to the DOT about the road’s problematic potholes, uneven pavement, and inadequate signage for pedestrians and bicyclists.

“The current state of Ocean Parkway is absolutely unacceptable and must be addressed now on behalf of thousands of residents who rely on this main thoroughfare each day,” Treyger said earlier this month. “This has clearly become a legitimate safety issue that is putting drivers at risk due to the potholes and broken pavement along the entire stretch of Ocean Parkway. We are asking that the state move forward with its planned repairs immediately instead of waiting for this situation to get even worse.”

“There is nothing more valuable than seeing the safety issues at this intersection in person and I’m grateful that Commissioner Bray took the time to come down and listen to our concerns,” added Hikind. “We are continuing our work to make Ocean Parkway safer for bicyclists, pedestrians and motorists, and these improvements will reduce the danger of accidents, potentially saving lives.”

By press time, city DOT had not responded to a request for comment.

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