6 1/2 Avenue Created in Midtown Manhattan

NEW YORK—A new pedestrian avenue, called 6 ½ Avenue, has been created by the city’s Department of Transportation (DOT) in Midtown Manhattan.

The avenue is meant for pedestrians who cut through privately-owned public spaces, such as open plazas and wide lobbies, between 51 Street to 57 Street. Manhattan’s Community Board 5 first brought the issue to the DOT’s attention last year.

DOT officials found that 1,200 pedestrians an hour crossed 51st Street alone at midway between 6th and 7th Avenues; even without crosswalks.

Now, at each road crossing the department has installed high-visibility pedestrian crosswalks, reflective markers, and stop signs, the DOT said. 

The new initiative will reduce “conflicts between motorists and pedestrians,” according to a DOT release. “[Community Board 5] overwhelmingly supported the plan earlier this year, which improves visibility and clearly establishes crossings without significantly affecting crosstown traffic.”

The Epoch Times publishes in 35 countries and in 19 languages. Subscribe to our e-newsletter.