I propose to put in a pedestrian bridge interchange over the intersection of 9th Street and 4th Avenue. The interchange will allow any pedestrian coming from any direction to the intersection to get to any corner without having to stop. Eight different ramps converge a round, level path suspended over the intersection. The center path functions similar to a roundabout with those entering yielding to those making their way around. A simple fence will surround the paths and open center section.

A pedestrian bicycle bridge over the intersection would drastically improve safety, for neither pedestrians nor bicyclists would have to cross in front of traffic. The inconvenience to pedestrians would be minimal because the bridge interchange would rise approximately 7 feet off the ground and the street would be dug out to lower the intersection 7-8 feet. Splitting the difference would not greatly affect automotive traffic or pedestrians and would allow both to move quicker.

The interchange will have a designated bike lane along the pedestrian paths. On 9th Street the existing bike lanes can lead right up to the ramps, and on 4th Avenue the bike lanes would empty out into the street, some distance from the intersection.

Because the interchange will only accommodate pedestrians and bicycles it can be relatively light weight and would not require a tremendous amount of support structure. The medians on 4th avenue will provide spots for support poles as will the current corners of the intersection. The design and aesthetic of the interchange will be simple and unimposing, perhaps steel and concrete to match the subway overpass near by.