NYC DOT Upgraded Queens Intersections With Concrete Islands
The city removed vehicle-cyclist mixing zones to improve safety for local delivery workers and commuters.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Remote Work
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The Department of Transportation finished installing permanent concrete traffic islands at intersections on 43rd and Skillman avenues in Queens. These upgrades eliminate mixing zones for vehicles and cyclists, replacing previous designs installed in 2018.
Why it matters
The infrastructure changes force vehicles to slow down at turns and improve visibility at intersections, addressing long-standing safety risks for logistics operators and delivery workers navigating the area.
These upgrades cover intersections on 43rd and Skillman avenues, which were first modified with bike lanes in 2018. The project follows fatal incidents recorded in 2017 and 2024.
The players
Department of Transportation
The New York City agency responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of the city's streets and transit infrastructure.
The details
The Department of Transportation replaced hazardous mixing zones with concrete islands designed to force vehicles to reduce speed during turning maneuvers. By physically separating traffic paths and improving daylighting, the project reduces the risk of conflict between commercial vehicles and cyclists. This shift modifies the street geometry in Queens, requiring fleet managers to account for tighter turning radii and altered traffic flow in these corridors.
Timeline
2017: A delivery worker died in a crash.
2018: Original bike lanes were installed.
2024: A cyclist died in a collision on 43rd Avenue.
September 2026: The Department of Transportation completed the intersection upgrades.
Market Landscape
This project follows the pattern of intersection hardening established under the city's broader Vision Zero traffic safety mandate. It marks a departure from paint-only traffic calming, moving toward permanent concrete structures to meet safety goals.
Business operators should review route planning for the 43rd and Skillman avenue corridors to account for new physical turning constraints. Logistics managers should verify that driver training materials reflect these permanent infrastructure changes.
The takeaway
Urban infrastructure is moving toward permanent physical barriers to mitigate liability and safety risks. Fleet managers should prioritize monitoring city transit alerts to adjust navigation in areas undergoing similar daylighting upgrades.
Further reading
For broader trends on how urban infrastructure impacts delivery efficiency, see Remote Work.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Streetsblog New York City.
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Do you believe concrete traffic islands are an effective way to improve bike lane safety?
