Jul 11, 2008 1:58 pm US/Eastern
Broadway Makeover: NYC To Close 2 Lanes For Bikes
New 'Boulevard' To Begin On 42nd Street For 8 Blocks To Herald Square; Avenue To Shrink From 4 Lanes To 2
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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To help ease congestion, Mayor Bloomberg is encouraging bike riders. (File)
CBS
Broadway is about to get a big makeover. New York City is closing two lanes of traffic to make way for an esplanade that features a bike lane and a pedestrian walkway.
The new Broadway Boulevard opens next month.
Along with the hustle and bustle of cars and tourists in Times Square, there are going to be tables, chairs and bikes. All part of Mayor Bloomberg's plan for a Broadway esplanade.
The Broadway Boulevard will begin on 42nd Street and continue 8 blocks to Herald Square, which will shrink the street from four to two lanes.
Opponents of the plan say the changes will likely cause traffic congestion and for those who work in the area, the location is cause for concern.
"It's still an extremely busy street. It's a busy area...no, I don't like it," said Karen Hubbard.
When the esplanade is complete, the east lane will be used for bicycling and the middle lane will have an appoxy-pebble surface, surrounded by 114 large planters.
Bicyclists are enthusiastic.
"It's great...the more space the better for everyone," said Lee Ottley.
The Broadway Boulevard is set to open August 15, but by the looks of things, New Yorkers are already making use of the new space. The project keeps with Bloomberg's vision of cutting down on traffic and pollution, by encouraging bike riding and walking.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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