Major Queens street undergoes redesign to become one-way for drivers, new bike lanes to be added

"Changes are in store for a busy thoroughfare in Queens as NYC officials continue their Streets Plan rollout. Woodside Avenue from Roosevelt Avenue to Broadway in East Elmhurst will look nothing like it currently does, as NYC's Department of Transportation (DOT) announced in August a series of incoming traffic-pattern changes and safety improvements along the approximately two-mile stretch. The street, lined with both homes and stores, will become one-way, eastbound, from 76th Street to Broadway, forcing more westbound traffic onto residential side streets."

"Drivers coming to and from Elmhurst Hospital, the borough's trauma center, located at Baxter Avenue and Broadway, will likely be impacted by the redesign. Accessing the emergency room eastbound will remain the same, according to DOT's plans, but drivers will likely not have access to westbound Woodside Avenue until 76th Street. amNewYork contacted the hospital's press office for comment on the upcoming redesign, inquiring how it will impact staff and patients, and is awaiting a response."

"The DOT will add bike lanes in both directions on Woodside Avenue. It is not yet clear where the bike lanes will start and stop along the stretch, but both conventional and shared bike lanes are part of the plan. According to the agency, traffic signal timing changes will alleviate congestion in the area. DOT said the plan includes safety improvements such as expanded sidewalks and public spaces to reduce contact with vehicular traffic."

Woodside Avenue between Roosevelt Avenue and Broadway in East Elmhurst will undergo significant redesign. The stretch from 76th Street to Broadway will convert to one-way eastbound, diverting westbound traffic onto residential side streets. Elmhurst Hospital access to the emergency room eastbound will remain unchanged, but westbound access on Woodside Avenue will not be available until 76th Street, potentially affecting drivers, staff, and patients. Bike lanes will be added in both directions, including conventional and shared lanes, though exact endpoints are not yet determined. Traffic signal timing adjustments aim to reduce congestion. Sidewalks and public spaces will be expanded to improve safety and separate pedestrians from vehicles.

Read at www.amny.com