The Brooklyn intersection of 4th avenue and 9th street has been redesigned to incorporate
a "Green Transportation Hierarchy". In achieving this design specification an emphasis has
been placed on developing an intersection that appeals to motorists, pedestrians, cyclists
and people who use public transportation. All of these modes of transport will be brought
together rather than being separated.

In designing the intersection all modes of transport occupy the same plane relatively
speaking. This creates the feeling that pedestrians are part of the intersection activity.
Saying this it should be clarified that some barriers are put in place that will encourage
pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists staying within their designated lanes and areas.
Pedestrians remain on the wide sidewalks and crosswalks as well as outdoor park and courtyards.
Crosswalks are installed midway on 9th st. so that accidents involving pedestrians can
be avoided. These crosswalks will be light controlled with blinkers to indicate when someone
is crossing.

Cyclists are designated 5' bicycle lanes that run along 4th ave and 9th st. These lanes
are separated from the motorist lanes by 6" islands either 5 or 10 feet wide on 4th ave.
and by a 10 foot treed barrier on 9th st. A common problem with cyclists is the pseudo
-pedestrian mentality. This is combated by a 3' high partition at each corner of the
intersection which will make it difficult for cyclists to jump on the sidewalk from the road.
Another bicycle passage enhancement is the clear passage markings through the intersection.
These indicators show motorists where cyclists will be turning and give cyclists the
clarification that they do indeed belong on the road. With these uncommon changes to the
road layout motorists will have to learn how to share the road with pedestrians and cyclists
alike. The new crosswalks are widened to 15' and are pushed back from the corners by 10 feet.
This is so that once again cyclists will be encouraged to use their own lanes and not the
crosswalk to move across the intersection. Cars will be allowed to occupy the 10 foot space
beyond the crosswalk only when turning either left or right, but can never block the crosswalk.
To avoid confusion, the intersection is highly light controlled with lights for cyclist turning
added.

9th street has bee converted from a two way to a one way street. This neighborhood is opportune
for one way streets because it is a typical grid layout with wide streets and sidewalks.
If 9th street runs north, 10th street can run south alleviating traffic congestion and allowing
more room for bicycle lanes.

Public transit stops are now located on the 10 foot islands on 4th ave. just before the
intersection. These stops are equipped with a 5 foot turnout that is long enough for two buses
and provides enough room for vehicles to maneuver around the bus when it is stopped and it is
safe to do so. This 5 foot space does give the bus presedence on the road so that cars will
have to wait behind if there is high traffic volume.

The last parts of the intersection altered are the subway entrances on either side of 4th ave.
and the large subway overpass that crosses over 4th avenue. The underground subway entrances
are updated to a substantial, but eye catching concrete geometric design that will resist wear
over many years. The large overpass is redesigned keeping in mind budget and it's original look.
It maintains the original features, but is opened up and draped in tough glass that will brighten
the neighborhood. The glass walls cannot be easily reached by the public as they are located off
of the walkways by 8 feet. This is important so that it will be difficult for the overpass to be
defaced by graffiti. The sidewalk will pass through the bridge, not under it to keep the
pedestrians away from vehicles when passing through a low light area. Beside the bridge a small
courtyard will be developed to encourage a more beautiful outdoor atmosphere for people in the
neighborhood.