New York City is moving forward with the next phase of its “Broadway Vision” project, a comprehensive redesign of the iconic Manhattan corridor. The $156-million project will focus on a six-block stretch between 21st and 27th streets, adding concrete plazas and expanded sidewalks to bolster bike lanes and pedestrian spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the project be completed?
According to the Department of Design and Construction, the project is slated for completion in 2031.
What is the scope of the work?
The project will involve a complete rebuild of the street, both above and below ground, including the installation of five new raised blocks, pedestrian plazas, protected bike lanes, and security bollards. It will too include curb extensions, raised crosswalks, landscaping, and street furniture.
Has the city redesigned Broadway before?
The city began installing pedestrian plazas around the Flatiron Building in 2008, and has continued to redesign sections of Broadway down to Union Square, often using paint, planters, and plastic bollards.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) also revealed plans for a future phase extending the redesign uptown to Herald Square, though no timeline or cost estimate has been announced for that portion of the project. Construction on the current phase is scheduled to begin in 2028, following the completion of a similar project between 39th and 40th streets.
The project’s progress is being watched closely by advocates who have urged Mayor Mamdani to accelerate capital projects, citing successful examples in cities like Paris and Jersey City. Annie Weinstock, director of programs at People-Oriented Cities, called the move to permanently pedestrianize Broadway “amazing,” and suggested that the project could serve as a model for other areas of the city.
However, the project’s timeline has drawn scrutiny, given the Department of Design and Construction’s history of slow-moving infrastructure projects. According to a spokesperson for DDC, the project’s complexity—involving a complete rebuild of the street both above and below ground—and the require for sign-off from numerous agencies contribute to the lengthy timeline.
DOT acknowledged the project is taking “some time,” but emphasized its ongoing efforts to improve capital project delivery and continue redesigning sections of Broadway on an annual basis.
Will the city be able to overcome its historical challenges with infrastructure projects and deliver a truly transformative redesign of Broadway in a timely manner?
