Reconstruction of Tillary Street Area

Brooklyn, New York

The Tillary Street area in the Borough of Brooklyn plays a key role in the transportation network of Downtown Brooklyn, providing linkages for pedestrians, motorists and cyclists. Over time, the urban setting with mixed land use of residential, governmental, educational, commercial and parkland areas had become more congested. Also, parking in bicycle lanes, long crossings and the design of the road itself had become barriers to pedestrian and cyclist safety.

The Tillary Street project offered an opportunity to redesign the area into a safe, welcoming entrance to Downtown Brooklyn. Michael Baker provided preliminary design, final design and construction support services for the project, reconstructing approximately 8,100 feet of roadway.

The work transformed the highway setting into a community streetscape, with landscaping, distinctive lighting and paving materials, separate bicycle lanes and widened sidewalks, creating an inviting environment for the increasing number of people traveling in the area each day.

The project included full roadway and median reconstruction; new curb and sidewalk installation; bicycle lane improvements; old water main and deteriorated combined sewer replacement; new catch basin construction; new landscaping; street lighting upgrades, pavement markings and street signs; and traffic signals at eight signalized intersections.

The project successfully met New York City, Department of Design and Construction’s need to beautify the area and enhance safety for all users. Now, those passing the Tillary Street area will realize dramatic improvements, including a decrease in vehicular travel speeds and lane-shifting patterns, widened bicycle lanes, new landscaping, shortened crosswalks and added pedestrian space at the medians. With the improved bicycle and walking conditions, New Yorkers can reduce their carbon footprint and enjoy the environmental equity the enhanced surroundings provide.