McGuinness Boulevard in Greenpoint is finally set for significant safety changes after years of crashes, debate, and incomplete work. People have long considered the street one of the most dangerous in Brooklyn, especially for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Many people who live here have been waiting for years to see real change.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani recently said the city will proceed with the complete redesign of McGuinness Boulevard, as initially planned. Once the weather warms and the crews can return to the site, construction should begin. Our Brooklyn car accident lawyers see how streets like this affect everyday safety for people who are aware of serious road risks.
What The McGuinness Boulevard Redesign Includes
Bike Lanes, Lane Reductions, And Traffic Calming
The Department of Transportation wants to put bike lanes on the north side of McGuinness Boulevard that are protected from parked cars. This part runs from Calyer Street to the Pulaski Bridge, a busy area where accidents are common. The new lanes will put parked cars between moving cars and cyclists, making things safer physically.
The new design also removes one lane of traffic in each direction. The main goal of this change, which was part of the original plan approved in 2023, is to slow down drivers. Drivers are more careful and aware of what’s going on around them when there are fewer lanes.
These updates all work together to make it easier to understand how the streets are laid out. Drivers have less time to speed up, and cyclists are safer because they are farther away from cars. Everyone’s road is more predictable. You can get a good idea of what the complete redesign will look like by looking at the southern half of McGuinness Boulevard, which already has a similar design.
Pedestrian Safety And Easier Street Crossings
City officials say the new design will make it safer and easier for people to cross McGuinness Boulevard. Busy intersections have always been problematic for people to cross, especially older people, children, and families going to school or the store. It can make a big difference to cross shorter distances.
There have been dozens of crashes on the boulevard over the last five years, which is why the project’s goal is to keep people safe. Fewer lanes for cars give drivers more time to react and make it easier to see at crosswalks. Protected bike lanes also help keep cyclists and vehicles from getting mixed up when turning.
These features work together to reduce the likelihood of high-speed crashes. Every day, people who live and work in Greenpoint use this street. The redesign is all about making those trips safer. The goal is not just to have fewer accidents, but also to change how people act over time.
Why These Changes Matter To Greenpoint And Brooklyn
A History Of Delays And Community Advocacy
After Matthew Jensen died in 2021, the city said it would change McGuinness Boulevard. A hit-and-run accident killed Jensen, a public school teacher, and brought attention to how dangerous the street was. A lot of people in the area had their lives changed by his death.
After getting the green light, the project stopped. The city only finished redesigning the southern half; the northern half stayed the same. People were unhappy with this work because they thought the most dangerous areas were still not fixed.
People in the community kept asking for change. People in the area formed groups like Make McGuinness Safe to keep city leaders on their toes by holding meetings, protests, and public outreach. Years of lobbying and a call for accountability led to the renewed commitment.
What Residents And Road Users Can Expect Going Forward
City officials say construction will start as soon as the weather gets warmer, meaning changes are about to happen, not just ideas. The crews will return to finish the redesign and align the northern part with the southern part. As work goes on, people should expect changes in traffic patterns.
Some opponents are worried about delays. City data shows that the southern redesign increased travel time by about a minute in each direction, which officials say is a manageable change. Supporters say that a slight delay is far less important than preventing serious injury.
Leaders say that the project is part of a bigger effort to make the streets of Brooklyn safer. They tell people who live and drive in the area to stay alert while the work is going on. Everyone will find it easier to adjust if you pay attention now.
Conclusion
The completed redesign of McGuinness Boulevard marks a meaningful step toward safer streets in Greenpoint. By addressing long-standing risks for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, the project responds directly to community concerns and years of advocacy. It shows a renewed commitment to roadway safety in Brooklyn.
As changes take shape, Brooklyn Injury Attorneys, P.C., recognizes how better street design can reduce serious injuries and save lives. Safer roads do more than prevent crashes. They improve daily movement, support neighborhoods, and help prevent future tragedies.