The redesign of Central Park’s six-mile loop road is moving forward, with repaving set to begin next week. On Thursday, city officials announced milling and repaving work will begin on Monday, March 17, to improve the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and e-vehicle users along the route by clearly separating their spaces. The project will begin by revamping the middle and southern sections of the Central Park loop, from 96th Street on the West Drive to 90th Street on the East Drive, with repaving of the northern section scheduled for next year.
The repaving schedule for the southern section of the Central Park drives, weather permitting. Credit: NYC DOT
The work follows a study published last fall, conducted by the Central Park Conservancy, the Department of Transportation, and the Parks Department.
As part of the project, DOT will create consistent separation across the drives to clearly designate an inner pedestrian lane, improving safety by better separating pedestrians from cyclists and e-vehicle users.
Additionally, DOT will adjust traffic signals and improve signage to encourage cyclists’ compliance, while directing pedestrians toward the historic archways to reduce conflicts on the drives.
DOT will also collaborate with the Conservancy and the Parks Department to expand walking and running space along most sections of the drive, while repurposing the now-defunct vehicle lane as a “flex lane” for cyclists and essential vehicle access.
