Like many other intersections in our neighborhood, the one at Church and McDonald avenues poses a danger to people who cross it, whether on foot or on wheels.
I contacted the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) in November 2023 to request the installation of a Leading Pedestrian Interval (LPI) at the intersection. They sent this response on Thursday: the seven-second LPI for crossing Church is long enough, and an LPI for crossing McDonald isn't needed.
From: Customer Service <CRM_autoresponses@dot.nyc.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, November 22, 2023 1:34 PM
To: Joy Rich
Subject: DOT-625496-M6D7 - Leading Pedestrian Signal Study- Church Avenue at Mcdonald Avenue - BrooklynDear Joy Rich:
Thank you for your correspondence regarding unsafe traffic conditions at the intersection of Church Avenue and McDonald Avenue.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) is committed to providing all New Yorkers with a safe, efficient, and reliable transportation network. DOT and the City of New York continues its efforts to make bold commitments to improve street safety in every neighborhood and in every borough – with new street designs and configurations, enhanced pedestrian spaces, public education, and increased penalties for dangerous drivers. There is much more work ahead of us and DOT is committed to our partnership with NYPD, TLC, and other City agencies in making roads safer for all New Yorkers.
DOT’s Division of Traffic will conduct a study at this location to determine the need and feasibility of installing a Leading Pedestrian Interval, which gives pedestrians time to begin crossing the street before the light turns green for motorists. This study will take into consideration traffic and pedestrian volumes, vehicular speeds, accident history, visibility, signal spacing, and other conditions. This process takes some time to complete, but it provides traffic engineers with enough information to reach decisions which are in the best interests of public safety and efficient street operation. Borough Commissioner Keith Bray will advise you of our findings at that time.
Thank you for your concern for traffic safety.
Sincerely,
Donna Manitta
Commissioner's Correspondence Unit
New York City Department of Transportation
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From: Customer Service <CRM_autoresponses@dot.nyc.gov>Sent: Thursday, April 25, 2024 4:57 PM
To: Joy Rich
Subject: DOT-625496-M6D7 - Leading Pedestrian Signal Study- Church Avenue at McDonald Avenue - BrooklynDear Joy Rich,
This is in response to our November 22, 2023, email regarding the operation of the traffic signals at the intersection of Church Avenue and McDonald Avenue. Please accept my apologies for the delay.
We completed our investigation and found these signals operating properly as designed with an adequate amount of time allocated for the pedestrian crossings. In addition, we evaluated the need for a Leading Pedestrian Interval (LPI) for pedestrian crossing McDonald Avenue, but in our judgment, it is not required since there are no significant turning vehicular/pedestrian conflicts. However, there is an existing Leading Pedestrian Interval (LPI) for pedestrian crossing Church Avenue. The LPI provides an exclusive Seven-(7) seconds “WALK” period at the start of the signal phase, long enough for pedestrians to establish their presence in the crosswalk.
In order to obtain the full benefit of the crossing time provided, pedestrians should start crossing at the beginning of the “Walking Man” indication. A flashing “Hand” indicates that there is insufficient time to complete the crossing. However, pedestrians already in the crossing will have sufficient time to proceed to the opposite sidewalk or median (where provided).
Under NYS law, vehicles making right/left turns must always yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk. Violation of the law is an enforcement problem and should be referred to the local precinct for their attention.
Thank you for your continued interest in this matter.
Sincerely,
Keith BrayBrooklyn Borough CommissionerNYC Department of Transportationwww.nyc.gov/dotCK22-3448BDOT-625496-M6D7