DOT tweaking the Maspeth Bypass

In a statement issued Wednesday, the MIBA said the DOT has implemented numerous changes to signs and traffic based on concerns raised by local businesses.

Changes since Oct. 1 include:

• Installing No Standing Any Time signs on the west side of Page Place from Maspeth Avenue to Grand Avenue to help tractor trailers with turning clearance;

• Extending the length of the No Standing Any Time zone on the north side of 55 Drive from Maurice Ave. to 58th Street for moving lane;

• Installing No Standing Any Time signs on the south side of 55th Drive from 56th Street to 58th Street for truck maneuverability into loading bay; and

• Installing an After Stop Right Turn Permitted on Red sign on the northeast corner of 55th Drive at 58th Street and approved No Standing Any Time regulations to “daylight” the northeast and northwest corners of 58th St. and 56th Drive.

MIBA said the DOT investigated adding more signage to the Long Island Expressway, but that the gantries can’t carry the weight of an another sign.

Pending improvementsinclude:

• A Trucks to Maspeth sign with a 12 o’clock arrow for the southwest corner of Maurice Ave. and the Queens Midtown Expressway [LIE] facing east; and

• A lane shift at 55th Drive and 58th Street, facing north and a traffic signal at Page Place and Grand Ave.

“In addition, DOT will be mailing a flyer to about 7,000 businesses in the 4 to 5 ZIP codes surrounding Maspeth, notifying them about the bypass,” according to MIBA’s statement.

Fliers in English and Chinese will also be made available to truck drivers. Traffic enforcement will be stepped up within the coming weeks, particularly on 55th Drive.

Since April 2011, 254 trucks have been stopped and 375 summonses issued in the area. The DOT will continue to monitor traffic patterns in the area. Study results are expected to be made available in mid- to late April.