The new train station traffic pattern. Click to enlarge.
Decades-old traffic patterns around the New Rochelle train station are about to change in a big way.
Beginning in mid-August, a new one-way circulation system will require entry to the station from Memorial Highway/Division Street and require exit from the station on North Avenue. In other words, Station Plaza North (the little-known name of the street that runs through the station complex) will shift from a two-way road to a one-way east-bound road.
Why is this happening? Well, first, the City must prepare for the planned reconstruction of the North Avenue bridge spanning I-95. This State-managed project will necessitate temporary traffic adjustments (and produce – let’s face it – a lot of inconvenience.) But beyond meeting this immediate, short-term need, it is also hoped that the new pattern will actually prove more efficient and convenient for commuters on a permanent, long-term basis.
We’ll see how things go. If it works, the new pattern will be here to stay. If not, we can shift back to a two-way pattern when the bridge project wraps up.
Interestingly, the shift to one-way traffic at the train station comes as we plan to introduce a two-way traffic circulation pattern downtown on Main and Huguenot. So big changes all around!
BTW, you can check the status of this and other street-related projects on a new webpage established by the City at www.newrochelleny.com/roadwayalerts.