Operational Projects

Operational projects can originate as a result of one or more of the following:

• As a result of efforts identified pursuant to the NYC Streets Plan
• A DOT citywide initiative, such as Vision Zero, identifies an area in which to make safety, cycling, and/or transit enhancements based on crash data, network planning, bus speeds, and other factors
• As is the case with the development of the bicycle lane network or bus stops and many other projects, a DOT unit leads a citywide or neighborhood-level planning process that identifies modifications
• Another City agency’s project, such as a DCP neighborhood rezoning or planning study, creates an opportunity for DOT to make cost-effective enhancements in the course of the project
• Elected officials provide funding for a project
• Elected officials, the general public, Business Improvement Districts, other agencies, or Community Boards request certain treatments or ask DOT to investigate conditions
• Non-profit organizations with community support apply to DOT’s Open Streets or Plaza programs to convert underutilized ROW into public spaces

Scoping (approximately 1 to 4 months)

DOT plans and designs most of its Operational projects rather than engaging a consultant to do so. When it begins to plan a project, agency staff conduct site visits, talk to stakeholders, and collect appropriate information, which typically includes some or all of the following:

• Crash data
• Traffic speeds
• Pedestrian, bicycle, and motor vehicle volumes
• Bus speeds and ridership
• Turning-movement counts
• Parking utilization
• Contextual information, particularly local land uses, Pedestrian Mobility Plan corridor classification, parking regulations, bus/truck route information, etc.
• Inventory of existing infrastructure, such as fire hydrants, storm drains, manholes, sidewalks and curbs, curb cuts, etc.
• Relevant demographic data, such as high proportions of older adults and/or people with disabilities

Goals and preliminary design concepts often emerge from initial data collection and information from stakeholders.

Design (approximately 6 to 12 months)

Based on the information gathered in the scoping phase, DOT assesses the project site and creates a base map to establish existing conditions. Agency staff then develop designs that meet project goals. The design process is iterative, and the project undergoes review by many units in DOT, review DOT Design Reviews and Analyses.

DOT consults with FDNY to address any concerns about the impact of the designs on its operations. The agency also coordinates with the relevant Community Board and elected officials for input, review Community Participation.

If the project is a Major Transportation Project, as defined in section 101.2 of the New York City Administrative Code, DOT also consults with NYPD, SBS, and MOPD. DSNY is consulted when a design might impact its operations. Designs for all works of art and structures intended for use in a fixed location for more than one year are subject to PDC review. Projects located in a historic district or scenic landmark are subject to LPC review. Review Reviews by Other Agencies and Utilities.

Operational projects rarely trigger USWR requirements, but any project that includes soil disturbance or an increase in impervious area must be evaluated, in consultation with DEP, accordingly.

In some cases, if DOT contemplates making changes to signal timing or narrowing or removing lanes, the agency uses traffic modelling software to anticipate future conditions and adjust the plan or make improvements as needed.

Implementation and Monitoring (approximately 1 week to 4 months)

Once a project design is completed, the relevant DOT units and/or outside contractors implement the project. The construction season is usually between mid-April and mid-November.

DOT staff monitor and analyze crash data at the project site for up to three years after implementation. DOT also compares pre- and post-implementation motor vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian data to determine what impact, if any, the project had on mobility. If issues arise out of this analysis, DOT may revisit the project to make modifications. DOT is increasingly measuring other project-performance indicators as well, such as economic and environmental impacts.