From the New York Times:
Now after escalating complaints, New York City transportation officials said on Monday that something would finally be done to solve the riddle of what they call “Times Square in the Sky.” That something — if the elderly crossing can take it — could be building a new path to alleviate congestion so bad that some people avoid the Brooklyn Bridge entirely. …
Beginning this month, a seven-month engineering study by a consulting firm, AECOM, will assess how much weight the bridge can carry, and consider options for expansion, including widening the existing promenade by building decks on to of the girders that run directly above the car lanes, according to city officials. …
Across New York City, foot traffic has increased across many bridges as the city’s population of 8.5 million is larger than ever and tourism keeps growing. The Brooklyn Bridge has seen its largest crowds on weekends, according to counts the city takes every May. An average of 1,917 people an hour crossed at peak times in 2015, or more than triple the 511 people in 2008. Weeknight traffic increased to an average of 1,057 people an hour at peak times from 880 people in 2008.
Bike traffic has also grown on the Brooklyn Bridge, reaching an average of 358 cyclists an hour at peak weeknight hours in 2015 compared with 185 cyclists in 2008. …
On a single weekday, 10,000 pedestrians and 3,500 cyclists typically cross.
(Burrard Bridge had about 3,500 cycling trips by about 4 pm last Sunday.)
A rendering of one possible option for expanding the pedestrian and bike lanes on the bridge.
