Following the fatal accident on Canal Street in Chinatown, New York City initiates long- desired safety enhancements.
In the heart of Manhattan's Chinatown, a tragic incident occurred on July 19, when a driver identified as Autumn Romero allegedly sped through the intersection of Bowery and Canal Street, resulting in the deaths of a bicyclist and a pedestrian.
Following this incident, city transportation officials have identified the intersection as dangerous and in need of immediate attention. Autumn Romero, a driver, was charged with vehicular homicide in connection with the fatal crash.
No new information has been provided about the charges against Romero or the status of her case. However, the incident has prompted swift action from the City's transportation department.
Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced that immediate steps are being taken to fortify the intersection and develop a long-term safety redesign for the entire Canal Street corridor.
One of the measures being implemented is the reduction of the speed limit for drivers coming off the Manhattan Bridge into Manhattan. The speed limit is being lowered from 35 mph to 20 mph. Some Manhattan-bound lanes on the bridge are also being narrowed to discourage speeding.
In addition to these measures, the transportation department is installing new physical barriers at the intersection of Bowery and Canal Street to protect pedestrians.
Ben Furnas, executive director of Transportation Alternatives, welcomed the announced changes but expressed the need for further measures to prevent deadly crashes in the area. Furnas stated that even after the changes, the majority of Canal Street remains dangerous.
Sadly, since 2011, seven fatal crashes have occurred on Canal Street between the West Side Highway and Manhattan Bridge exit, according to city data. This underscores the urgent need for safety improvements in the area.
The transportation department was planning to hold community feedback sessions about Canal Street redesigns in the fall. However, following the crash, these sessions have been moved up to later this month.
On Thursday, police officers were parked near the site of Romero's crash, using a radar gun to monitor vehicles exiting the Manhattan Bridge. Despite these measures, no new information has been provided about the installation of physical barriers at the intersection of Bowery and Canal Street.
As the city works to make Canal Street safer, it is hoped that these measures will help reduce the number of tragedies in this busy Manhattan neighbourhood.
