As Metro-North replaces and waterproofs the structure below the roadway, the city plans to rebuild the avenue above it.
Park Avenue’s medians were narrowed in 1927 to accommodate more vehicle traffic, according to DOT. The city began seeking public input on the latest redesign in 2025.
“Today marks an important step toward transforming Park Avenue into a world-class boulevard that works for people, not just cars,” Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal said.
The project is funded through the East Midtown Public Realm Improvement Fund, which was created as part of the 2017 Greater East Midtown rezoning and receives contributions from nearby commercial development projects.
City officials did not announce a construction timeline for the full 11-block redesign Thursday.