The Department of Transportation is set to begin installing bus lane upgrades on Lexington Avenue this Friday, according to an announcement from the Mamdani administration. The project will target an eight-block stretch from E. 60th Street to E. 52nd Street.
Transition to Offset Bus Lanes
Under a redesign plan unveiled by the previous mayor last year, existing curbside bus lanes in the affected area will be shifted. These will become “offset” bus lanes to improve traffic flow.
The mayor described the move as a “small-but-mighty-fix” in a statement, noting that offset bus lanes work by keeping buses moving and lanes clear, which the administration believes makes life better for working people throughout the city.
Proven Impact on Transit and Safety
The DOT is modeling this project after similar changes implemented on Lexington Avenue between E. 96th Street and E. 60th Street in 2019. According to the agency, those previous modifications resulted in a 26 percent increase in bus speeds.
the 2019 upgrades led to a 35 percent reduction in pedestrian injuries. If the current eight-block stretch follows this pattern, the city may see similar gains in transit efficiency and commuter safety.
City Briefs
Beyond the transit upgrades, several other developments are unfolding across the region:
- Transit Alerts: A potential LIRR strike deadline looms at midnight, causing concern from Brooklyn to Montauk. A fire under the East River recently disrupted LIRR and Amtrak service out of Penn Station.
- City Hall & Governance: Questions have arisen regarding the impact of Mayor Mamdani’s mass engagement team on relationships with community boards. Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su has been named as the administration’s liaison to big business.
- Public Safety & Law: An FDNY driver injured a cyclist at the intersection of Franklin and Myrtle avenues in Brooklyn. In another legal matter, a New Jersey man pleaded guilty to damaging religious property after driving a car into Chabad headquarters.
- Local Updates: The Parks Department is seeking feedback on potential playground upgrades at Tompkins Square Park, and the Brooklyn Army Terminal is preparing for various summer events.
- Agency News: City traffic enforcement agents are seeking peace officer status to ensure stiffer penalties for those who assault them. In a separate incident, an MTA rent-a-guard was caught selling swipes for cash at subway emergency gates.
- International Note: In Beijing, a Fox News crew led by Bret Baier received a ticket for illegal parking, despite the crew stating they were parked for only two minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which specific area of Lexington Avenue is receiving upgrades?
The upgrades are being installed on an eight-block stretch from E. 60th Street to E. 52nd Street.
What is the difference between the current lanes and the new plan?
The existing curbside bus lanes will shift to become “offset” bus lanes as part of a redesign plan.
What results did the DOT see from previous similar upgrades?
Similar changes made in 2019 between E. 96th Street and E. 60th Street increased bus speeds by 26 percent and decreased pedestrian injuries by 35 percent.
Do you believe offset bus lanes are the most effective way to reduce city traffic congestion?
