In August of 2026, nurse Jiayi Zheng was killed in a hit-and-run on Third Avenue in Sunset Park. The tragic death was one of 17 in the past decade, sparking the need for major redesign of the corridor.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani and New York City Department of Transportation commissioner Mike Flynn unveiled plans to redesign 2.1 miles of the Avenue On Oct. 28.
Beginning in 2027, NYC DOT will redesign from 62nd Street to 20th Street on Third Avenue. They will add a new pedestrian island and barriers to protect the bike lands along the center median. NYC DOT will also redesign medians to achieve more orderly parking with metered spaces.
According to a press release from the Office of the Mayor, similar redesigns have reduced traffic deaths and injuries by 30 percent.
“We know what keeps New Yorkers safe on our streets: calmer intersections, shorter crossings, protected bike lanes and ambitious redesigns that put people first,” said Mamdani. “Starting next year, we will transform Third Avenue to protect pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.”
Currently, the street is 150 feet wide and has six moving lanes along much of the corridor. Pedestrians must cross the equivalent of half a football field just to get from one side of the avenue to another.
“Third Avenue has been a source of tremendous fear and grief for our community over recent years,” said councilmember Alexa Aviles, representing Sunset Park. “The redesign will start at the most problematic portion of the Avenue, ensuring that local students and families will be able to cross the street with ease of mind.”
The design will be delivered in two phases. In 2027, work will begin on Third Avenue between 62nd and 43rd streets and on 60th street between Second Avenue and Fourth Avenue. In 2028, NYC DOT will redesign Third Avenue between 43rd and 20th streets.
