Last week, elected officials joined the Department of Transportation (DOT) to celebrate the final resurfacing of Jamaica Avenue between 168th Street and Francis Lewis Boulevard.
The smooth road now eliminates defects caused by routine wear-and-tear that both damages vehicles and risks pedestrians’ safety.
This stretch on Jamaica Avenue was last repaved more than 25 years ago.
“Years of neglect forced consumers and suppliers to use this crucial artery under hazardous conditions that detracted from the economic growth of local businesses and left pedestrians prone to injury,” said Councilman I. Daneek Miller. “This repaving underscores the public recognition that Jamaica’s appeal extends beyond the boundaries of southeast Queens to all of our city’s residents.”
Queens DOT Commissioner Nicole Garcia added that the agency also improved safety around schools by installing concrete islands to shorten crossings, adding new pedestrian signals and fixing and replacing sidewalks, curbs and pedestrian ramps.
According to Miller’s office, the stretch spans 12.74 total lane miles, or 2.2 miles, including traffic lanes and a parking lane.
Nearly 100 corner pedestrian ramps were repairs and more than 19,000 square feet of sidewalk was replaced.
