Today Mayor Bloomberg and New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan announced a new plan to close portions of Broadway to cars and improve traffic flow through Midtown Manhattan.

The plan would add three acres of green space and create new pedestrian plazas on Broadway between 47th and 42nd Street and 35th to 33rd Street.  Cross streets would remain open.

The plan will reduce congestion along the avenues by allowing green lights to stay green longer and improve the business environment, said Commissioner Sadik-Khan at a briefing this morning.

The plan is a pilot. It will be implemented starting in May and monitored throughout  the year.

“A recent Tri-State Transportation Campaign analysis found Broadway to be tied for first (with 3rd Ave) as the most dangerous road for pedestrians in Manhattan, and tied for 3rd most dangerous roadway for pedestrians in the entire region,” said TSTC in a supportive statement. “The Broadway plan will make the road safer for walkers enjoying all that New York City has to offer. Congratulations to Mayor Bloomberg and NYC DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan for bringing a more balanced approach to our transportation system. They correctly understand that our streets are for moving people, whether they are traveling by bus, car, bike, or our own two feet.”