Avella Obtains Additional Traffic Controls for Confusing Cross Island Parkway Exit

Whitestone, NY – This week, State Senator Tony Avella received correspondence from the Department of Transportation (DOT) that they have modified the signal timing operation at the intersection of Utopia Parkway with 14^th Road and the Cross Island Parkway (CIP) Service Road to provide better traffic flow.

Senator Avella requested a change in the signal timing operation after traffic began backing up following previous DOT modifications to clearly indicate that this exit was only one lane, not two as motorists often thought. This is the third modification that DOT has made at the location within the last year.

In May of 2017, after years of Senator Avella asking to widen the exit, DOT instead painted a double arrow on the roadway, which made it appear as if the one lane exit is actually two lanes. This decision had unintendedly made the already dangerous service road even more dangerous.

Following additional letters and a press conference, Senator Avella was able to obtain further action when DOT installed lane markings to indicate that the service road was only one lane.

“I am glad that I was once again able to obtain action from the City for better traffic flow at this intersection. The amount of traffic at this exit has increased dramatically over the past few years and so has the confusion. I still believe that the proper solution to this condition is to widen the exit to permit two lanes. However, I am happy that DOT has adjusted the timing of the signal to allow for more cars to pass through the intersection on a green light. I hope that the new signal timing operation will provide better traffic flow and make the commutes of Queens residents a lot easier. I appreciate DOT’s willingness to work with me on this issue,” said Senator Avella.