Designing the 20th Century Street: Written Statement

In redesigning the intersection of 9th Street and 4th Avenue in Brooklyn, priority was given to treatments that make the area safer, more functional and enjoyable for pedestrians and cyclists, while preserving the existing truck route and some vehicular traffic. From the improved multi-modality to the introduction of permeable paving materials, our objective was to design an intersection that is more socially, environmentally and economically sustainable for the neighborhood of Park Slope.

In order to minimize the negative impacts of the truck route, many traffic-calming measures¬ – including the elimination of multiple traffic lanes, all parking lanes and most left turns – have been recommended.

Due to heavy pedestrian traffic at this transit hub, all sidewalks will be widened. Pedestrian refuges will be created that reach into the crosswalks of each street. The closed entrances to the subway station at 9th Street & 4th Avenue will be reopened.

Recognizing the value of the 9th Street corridor for cyclists of all ages, we recommend separating the bike lanes from moving traffic. The separation is achieved here by raising the bike lane to the same grade as the sidewalk. Different paving materials as well as painted lines will distinguish the different uses of this much-widened surface. Additionally, bike boxes have been added before all lanes of vehicular traffic, drawing cyclists away from the sidewalk at the intersections and allowing all to safely proceed or turn through the signaled crossing before vehicles.

9th Street – between 3rd and 5th Avenues

The changes to 9th Street, mirrored on both sides of 4th Avenue, include the elimination of all parking as well as left turns from both directions. Signaled turns will be allowed for buses and bikes. A raised, planted median will create a pedestrian refuge in the busy crosswalk. The median is 11 ft. in width at the crossing, but tapers to a more narrow width and eventually disappears, allowing for the temporary stopping of delivery and service vehicles closer to mid-block. The bus stops at the intersection remain in place, although the added pedestrian shelter at the stop shares space with the bike lane. Plantings, including the additions of built swales and permeable paving materials, will be used throughout.

4th Avenue – between 8th and 10th Streets

The recommendations for 4th Avenue also call for the elimination of parking, the widening of sidewalks and the addition of a raised bike lane. The left turn cutouts will be removed and only two traffic lanes, for cars, trucks, and buses will remain. The median will also be widened, although planting will be minimal due to the presence of subway ventilation. Opportunities for economic development have been identified, particularly in the available commercial spaces included in the original subway station design. The addition of street vendors to the revitalized subway station would contribute to a vibrant street life for pedestrians in the area.

Overall, the recommendations call for the reclamation of the space for safe and healthy public use, in what is currently a dangerous, noisy and rundown intersection.