The next phase of the city’s ongoing roadway safety action plan is coming into effect, with the installation of multiple new crosswalks, a re-established sidewalk and general pedestrian-focused improvements.
City Council members unanimously voted in favor of an agreement authorizing the latest improvements at the June 2 meeting. The work will be centered around the high-traffic area near the Long Island Rail Road train station, its neighboring taxi stand, City Hall and Long Beach Police headquarters.
City Manager Daniel Creighton explained that, while the total cost of the project will reach just over $601,000, nearly $500,000 of the expense will be reimbursed by community block development grant funds which the city previously received from the state. The grants are specifically intended to be used for infrastructure-related improvements and development.
Ken Arnold, the commissioner of the city’s Department of Public Works discussed some of the upcoming improvements, noting that crosswalks will be added at the intersection of National Boulevard and West Chester Avenue, as well as at National Boulevard and Azalea Court. The locations will also incorporate bump-outs, enhancing the sidewalk’s effective distance, for added safety.
“Both of these locations have high pedestrian crossing rates,” Arnold said. “There’s a school bus stop at one of the locations.” Azalea Court will also push back existing fencing to receive a re-established and renovated sidewalk, offering a wider and more secure alternative to walking in the exposed road.
At the taxi stand beside the Long Beach train station, improvements will accommodate foot traffic around the highly active driveway where taxis continually drive in and out of the area. The installation of curb cuts and a more distinct entrance/exit zone will limit vehicles to a dedicated section of the path.
A final aspect of prioritizing pedestrians in the area will improve the sidewalk quality near the city’s police headquarters and parking lot. Utilizing curb cuts — creating soft ramps along the sidewalk — will create better access for people with disabilities, as part of the Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant improvements. Arnold anticipates the comprehensive plan to take roughly one month, with work already underway.
In addition to the safety measures, road resurfacing and paving will also take place throughout National Boulevard and Centre Street, continuing similar improvements to road quality which have been implemented across the city in recent weeks.
The roadway safety action plan has been a long-running strategy in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Transportation. The city commissioned a detailed survey to analyze traffic incident patterns, tracking vehicle crashes involving automobiles, bicycles and pedestrians.
The data was used to inform potential solutions for high priority locations, help to prevent fatalities and serious injuries and improve overall road safety. The city hosted meetings and presentations earlier this year, inviting participation and commentary from residents. The cumulative data was developed into the Safe Streets and Roads for All plan, which can allow the city to apply for further grant funding from the Department of Transportation.