MORNINGSIDE AVE TRAFFIC MEDIANS

Soon after being approved by two community boards, work began on four traffic islands intended to slow the motor vehicles that speed along this avenue.

The rather large dividers are placed at 117th, 118th, 120th and 123rd streets. Red lights were already present at the last two placements.

Have the medians slowed the cars? That's hard to say scientifically without a radar gun. But observers say only slightly. There is definitely more bottle necking at 120th and 123rd streets. Eyewitnesses, scuff marks and bits of bumper debris indicate that some driver are oblivious to the presence of the islands.

Crews returned on August 25th to install reflective markers to warn/caution drivers. The final stage is extending the curb at Hancock Place.