Steinway Creek
April 10, 2014 By Michael Florio
The death of four young Queens residents who were inside a vehicle that flipped into the Steinway Creek last Saturday has led the city to conduct a review of all the signposts and barriers leading up to waterways throughout the city.
Department of Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg told NY1 Tuesday that the agency would be reviewing all roadways that end at creeks or end at railroad tracks to make sure that the signage is clear and is not in need of repair.
The announcement comes shortly after State Sen. Michael Gianaris, who lives just five blocks from the site of the Steinway Creek crash, called on the DOT to conduct a review of safety measures on roads leading up to water throughout the city.
Gianaris said that all that stood between the road and Steinway Creek was a chain-link fence, which was clearly inadequate.
Gianaris said that that there is a need for permanent barriers between roadways and creeks throughout the city– including Steinway Creek. He said there’s also a need for signs that alert drivers unfamiliar with an area that there is a creek nearby.
Workers installed jersey barriers and barrels after the crash Saturday and replaced one of two dead-end signs, according to published reports.
“DOT must make our streets safer by reviewing all roads leading to waterways as there may be similar dangers in other neighborhoods throughout our city,” Gianaris said in a statement Sunday.
“This accident was avoidable, and something must be done to keep people safe as they drive, walk or cycle on our roadways.”
