This week, the NYC Department of Transportation and NYC Department of Design and Construction announced the completion of a bike lane project that connects Brooklyn’s Canarsie neighborhood to Jamaica Bay.
The project, referred to as the Canarsie Pier Connector, aimed to provide direct access to Jamaica Bay by linking it via an existing bike network to the entrance of Canarsie Pier, in an effort to provide alternatives to automobile travel.
Work on the $1.9 million project began back in June 2022, and was fully finished on June 30, 2023 — a full year ahead of schedule.
Managed by NYC DOT and DDC, the project completed a series of upgrades to make the bike lane more accessible for alternative transportation travelers.
The work included constructing new two-way bike lanes on Shore Parkway; replacing and installing over 1,000 feet of curbs and 12,000 square feet of sidewalks; upgrading eight pedestrian ramps; installing five ADA-compliant ramps; and planting six trees in the area.
“Every neighborhood deserves safe cycling infrastructure. This project completes a critical missing link for riders accessing the Jamaica Bay and will enhance safety along this stretch of Shore Parkway for everyone, including cyclists, drivers and pedestrians,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez.
In addition, the project also installed nine new catch basins to improve drainage, an improvement that the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal says will benefit nearby New Yorkers.
“Families near Canarsie and Jamaica Bay are now better protected from flooding and better connected to one another thanks to this important project that improves drainage and updates street safety. We are proud to work with our partners to build more resilient communities,” said NYS Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner Ruthanne Visnauskas.
