Canal Road in Manhattan may quickly see main modifications, because the New York Metropolis’s Division of Transportation offered a plan to increase sidewalks and ease pedestrian congestion on one of many metropolis’s busiest corridors.
The proposal, not too long ago offered to group teams, would create so-called “Super Sidewalks” between Broadway and Elizabeth streets. Metropolis officers mentioned the purpose is to enhance security and provides pedestrians more room in an space lengthy identified for its crowded sidewalks and heavy visitors.
Related avenue redesigns have been rolled out in midtown and Hell’s Kitchen in recent times. Together with wider sidewalks, the Canal Road plan would add extra bike lanes.
Some guests consider the modifications may make the realm extra inviting.
“I think they would get more tourists come, yes, so I’m all for that” mentioned Kathy Meo, a local New Yorker visiting from out of state. Her husband, Joseph, added, “They need to clean it up a little bit, too.”
Others are skeptical.
“I don’t know if it would help because it makes the streets smaller. More vehicles on a shorter street I think is worse than people on a small sidewalk,” mentioned Tracy Mugford, of Stratford, Connecticut.
The plan follows a lethal crash in July, when police mentioned a drunk driver touring greater than 100 mph close to the Manhattan Bridge killed two folks. In accordance with metropolis knowledge, 26 folks have been killed or severely injured on Canal Road in recent times.
For longtime distributors, the thought of wider sidewalks feels like a welcome change.
“It’s better,” mentioned Tony, who has offered produce alongside Canal Road for 25 years. “More space so the people can walk.”
Navigating Canal Road as we speak stays a problem even for visitors officers and emergency responders. Metropolis officers say they hope the redesign can lastly make a distinction on one in all Manhattan’s most congested stretches.
The proposed modifications are at present deliberate for Summer season 2026, although it was not clear what a brand new mayor may probably imply for currents plans on the DOT.
This story was initially reported for broadcast by NBC New York. AI instruments helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC New York journalist edited the article for publication.
