14th Street’s pedestrian-focused redesign moves forward
East 14th Street at University Place © NYC DOT
Nearly seven years after the 14th Street busway launched, New York City is moving forward with more improvements to the Manhattan corridor. The city’s Department of Transportation on Monday announced public outreach will kick off this month on the redesign of 14th Street, which will include upgraded pedestrian space, parks, and plazas, landscaping and greenery, and safety enhancements, all intended to complement the successful busway. DOT is currently conducting a $3 million, two-year study, first introduced by former Mayor Eric Adams last summer, to develop ways to enhance the experience of pedestrians and commuters on 14th Street.
“The 14th Street busway is an example of how when we think boldly, we can deliver real results for New Yorkers. This project has been a remarkable success, delivering faster commutes and safer streets for tens of thousands, but besides a new coat of paint, 14th Street looks and feels like it has for decades,” NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn said.
“This process will deliver truly transformational, permanently constructed upgrades for the corridor that capitalize on the benefits of the busway and create a world-class street from river to river.”
As first reported by Gothamist, the city plans to add bike lanes, upgrade bus stops, and expand pedestrian space along the thoroughfare.
The 14th Street busway has become a model for similar transit improvements across the five boroughs. Since its implementation in 2019, traffic congestion on the street has largely disappeared, and bus speeds have increased by 24 percent, from about 5 mph to 6 mph.
Under the plan, upgrades will be made to surrounding blocks and public spaces connecting 14th Street from Avenue B to Union Square Park, as well as Irving Place, Broadway, University Place, and the corridor to the Meatpacking District and Hudson River Park.
DOT will lead the effort in collaboration with the city’s Economic Development Corporation, the Union Square Partnership, and the Meatpacking District Management Association. The DOT plans to host a series of public workshops to gather public feedback on the redesign starting later this month.
The city plans to accelerate the redesign process so capital projects can be developed by the end of the two-year study. Officials have already secured $9.5 million for projects that emerge from the study, including $9 million from the City Council and $500,000 from the Manhattan borough president’s office.
“The 14th Street busway is already a success—faster buses, higher ridership, safer streets. But we’re not stopping at a coat of paint,” Mamdani said.
“We’re taking it to the next level with greenery, pedestrian space, and stronger safety infrastructure. I invite New Yorkers to join DOT later this month and help shape the world-class future of 14th Street.”
The first community workshop will be held on March 25 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Pratt Institute at 144 West 14th Street. The DOT is also inviting New Yorkers to complete an online survey about their experiences along 14th Street, which will remain open through April 10.
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