Partial closures of 49th and 50th Streets, 5th and 6th Avenues in first-ever commitment of defined pedestrian space around area
Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced a major temporary expansion of pedestrian space on the streets around Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall, taking new steps to ensure the safety of New Yorkers and visitors in one of the City’s busiest areas at the height of the holiday season.
“The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is New York City’s crown jewel during the holidays, and we’re always excited to welcome the world to see it—but when the world descends on Rockefeller Center for a month on end, additional tools are clearly necessary so that our Vision Zero agenda stays in place,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “This historic announcement pedestrianizing Rockefeller Center will keep holiday revelers safe while ensuring minimal disruption to the rest of the life of the city.”
“The NYPD is second to none at protecting millions of people at some of the world’s largest events,” said Chief of Department Terence Monahan. “Due to collaboration with the Department of Transportation and our ability to adjust assets on the street in real-time, NY’s Finest will ensure the safety of those enjoying the holiday season in the Big Apple while minimizing vehicular congestion.”
Starting Friday, November 29, the City will pedestrianize the streets surrounding Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall, using movable barriers to institute full or partial street closures that will alleviate the crush of foot traffic. The closures are as follows:
Side Street Closures: 49th and 50th Streets between 5th and 6th Avenues will be open to pedestrians alone during the most congested hours.
· By default, these streets will be closed between 2 p.m. and midnight from Monday to Thursday, 1 p.m. and midnight on Friday, and 10 a.m. and midnight on Saturdays and Sundays.
5th Avenue: Movable barriers will be placed on the east and west sides of the streets on 5th Avenue between 48th and 52nd Streets, eliminating a lane of traffic on each side of the avenue to create more pedestrian space. Additionally, there will be no turns on 47th, 49th, or 51st Streets.
· Barriers will be put in place between 5 p.m. or earlier and midnight during the week, and between noon or earlier on weekends.
6th Avenue: Movable barriers may be placed on the east side of the street on 6th Avenue between 48th and 52nd Streets, eliminating one lane of traffic to create more pedestrian space.
· 6th Avenue will be monitored and barriers will be put in place or removed depending on crowd conditions.
Buses: MTA buses will bypass 48th to 52nd Streets.
Additionally, the NYPD and Department of Transportation (DOT) staff will conduct joint round-the-clock monitoring of the area to adjust the barriers if needed during times of unusual pedestrian activity or extreme weather.
The new street policy is a major step forward that will protect pedestrians while ensuring minimal disruptions to transit and police operations. Even during the holiday season, pedestrian traffic has historically dropped substantially in poor weather and during weekday business hours. Relying on timed closures will allow the City to permit the flow of many morning commuters while protecting pedestrians at peak times. The NYPD and DOT can add or remove pedestrian space at off-peak hours as demand allows.
The Rockefeller Center area has always been one of New York City’s most popular holiday attractions, drawing crowds from across the country; however, in recent years, crowds have grown to unmanageable levels, sending pedestrians into Midtown traffic in an attempt to navigate the crowds. In recent years, local elected officials, including Council Member Keith Powers and Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, had advocated for more regular closures in this area to address pedestrian crowding. While the City has previously conducted ad-hoc closures of 49th and 50th Streets, 5th and 6th Avenues remained open, and a formalized policy was never put in place.
“One of New York’s greatest gifts is our street space but for decades we’ve sacrificed too much of it for cars. Few streets are more precious than the ones surrounding Rockefeller Center, where throngs of tourists and New Yorkers jockey to see the iconic holiday tree as well as get to work. They need relief,” said Speaker Corey Johnson. “This announcement is good news to kick off the holiday season. I look forward to continuing to work with the administration and with my colleagues in the Council to find more opportunities to give street space back to people all over New York City.”
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