Twin Cities Streets for People

New York City removed car traffic from 7 blocks along Broadway over the holiday weekend, creating over 3 acres of new people-oriented spaces. Reports are that the spaces were an instant hit, filled with people from the time the blocks were closed starting at 8pm Sunday night. 

The 7 block car-free zones will actually improve conditions for motorists as well by increasing the amount of time they get a green light on 7th and 6th Avenues, according to a report from the City's Department of Transportation. The changes will also improve travel times for 75,000 bus riders. 

The total estimated cost of the project was $1.5 million, which includes staff time, street closure and planned improvements to the new public spaces, such as special paint treatements and greening. Compared to the cost of a new 3-acre park in Manhattan, that's a staggering cost savings.

The closure is a pilot project, and will be evaluated between now and the end of the year. 

The New York Daily News is already calling for the project to be extended to a full 2-1/2 miles from Union Square to Columbus Circle.

Long been a destination dominated by tourists, native New Yorkers were among the first visitors to the newly car-free Times Square.

"Times Square is suddenly a place worth visiting and staying a while (especially if you're a parent desperate for an easy, low-cost weekend adventure for your kids)," reported Streetsblog's Aaron Naperstek, who visted the space over the weekend with his two young sons.