Bronx, NY – Going to school just got a little easier for students, parents, and teachers at nine schools on the John F. Kennedy campus thanks to effective advocacy from Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-Bronx). Many members of the community had complained that, due to the immense amount of traffic during arrival and dismissal times, it is nearly impossible to safely turn onto Tibbett Avenue from West 230th Street. At the request of Assemblyman Dinowitz, NYC Department of Transportation has agreed to install a turn signal at this intersection for westbound traffic turning left.

There are nine schools along Tibbet Avenue below West 230th Street, including In-Tech Academy (MS/HS 368), PS/MS 37, and seven schools on the former JFK campus. West 230th Street is a frequently traveled conduit between Riverdale Avenue and the Major Deegan Expressway in addition to the numerous students, parents, and teachers who drive to school on a daily basis. Currently, vehicles traveling westbound along West 230th Street have to cross moving traffic in order to turn left into the JFK campus which frequently forces drivers to make aggressive and dangerous maneuvers. This danger is compounded by the presence of many students who walk onto school grounds. A left turn signal will provide a safe opportunity for drivers to enter the school area.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-Bronx) said: “I am very pleased that the Department of Transportation agreed to install this left turn signal so that our students and teachers can remain safe on their way to and from school. The West 230th Street Corridor between Riverdale Avenue and Bailey Avenue has many problematic intersections, but this an important step. Changes like this can have such a large impact on overall safety and this is a good decision that was made by DOT before somebody got hurt.”