Senator Sanders Announces $8 Million in State Funding for Transportation Improvements Coming to Jamaica

State Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-Rochdale Village, Far Rockaway) announced today at a press conference at the Sutphin Boulevard / Archer Avenue train station that $7.65 million in state funding has been allocated for improvements to the Jamaica Transportation Center Station Plaza.
 
“Right now this area has a gritty feeling,” Sanders said. “It almost looks like an urban backdrop that would be used in the movies. We want it to be more upscale.”
 
This money was set aside in the 2016 budget for a multi-year state transportation plan agreed upon by Senator Sanders along with his colleagues in the legislature and Governor Cuomo.
 
“I am proud to have helped facilitate this funding which will make the busy downtown Jamaica area safer and more accessible to both pedestrians and motorists,” Sanders said. “Hopefully, we will see job growth and an increase in the amount of people enjoying the many goods and services available in this community.”
 
The project includes the realignment and widening of Archer Avenue to create new bus lanes and bus stop areas aimed at improving traffic flow. A new traffic signal will be added at Archer Avenue and 146th Street, to make it safer for pedestrians crossing to the Jamaica Long Island Railroad Station.  In addition, the sidewalks on the north and south sides of Archer Avenue will be widened and new center medians will be added. Two new MTA subway entrance staircases with canopies will be constructed on the corners of Archer Avenue and Sutphin Boulevard.
 
“I have been communicating with the state DOT and there is no timeline as of yet, but this presents an opportunity to help shape the plan and ensure that the community is involved,” Sanders concluded.