NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – Most cars will be barred from a large stretch of 14th street in Manhattan starting on Thursday as part of a plan to speed up bus traffic while construction on the L train continues.
The experimental “busway,” as it’s being called, is the first of its kind of the city, and will initially last for 18 months.
The 1.1 mile segment will extend from 3rd Avenue to 9th Avenue, from the East Village to Chelsea.
Eliminating private vehicular traffic is designed to allow for crosstown buses to move faster, as well as provide wider bike lanes and pedestrian walkways.
The M14 bus, which travels the street, currently moves 27,000 riders per day, and takes over 10 minutes to travel that distance during rush hour.
Thomas DeVito, director of advocacy for Transportation Alternatives, a group which advocates for mass transit said, “New Yorkers who ride the M14 are about to see their bus line transformed from one of the city’s slowest, into one of the fastest, practically overnight.”
Buses, trucks, emergency vehicles and local businesses and residents will be allowed to use 14th Street fully, while local cars will be able to pick up and drop off as well as access garages on the street.
The restrictions will be in effect every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The changes can move forward thanks to a state appellate court ruling Friday which ended a temporary restraining order that has blocked the lane for months.
Mayor Bill de Blasio, who supports the plan, said, “This is a smart project that speeds up buses and leaves room for the drop-offs and deliveries the neighborhood needs. These are the changes we have to make as a city to fight congestion and give people transit options they can rely on.”