Canal Street Redesign Could Save Lives: Insights from a NYC Car Accident Lawyer

Between 2020 and 2024, three people were killed and more than 200 others — including 23 who suffered severe injuries — in crashes along Canal Street. The combination of heavy traffic, narrow sidewalks, and complex intersections has long made this corridor one of the most hazardous for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike.

Now, Canal Street is finally slated for a long-overdue safety overhaul. The New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) has unveiled a comprehensive redesign proposal aimed at reducing crashes, easing pedestrian congestion, improving bicycle connections, and expanding public space.

As attorneys representing victims of car accidents in New York City, we know just how dangerous Canal Street can be for vulnerable road users. The numbers confirm what victims and their families already understand all too well: without meaningful infrastructure improvements, serious accidents are inevitable.

Key Elements of the Canal Street Redesign

The DOT’s proposal covers Canal Street from West Street to Bowery and introduces several critical safety upgrades:

Improved pedestrian crossings: Nearly 30 painted curb extensions and seven high-visibility crosswalks will shorten crossing distances and make pedestrians more visible to drivers.
Concrete pedestrian islands: New refuge spaces at intersections such as Sixth Avenue and Mott Street will provide safer crossing options while directing vehicle flow.
Expanded sidewalks and public space: Sidewalk extensions at 14 locations and the closure of Walker Street between Baxter and Canal will help relieve pedestrian crowding and create new open spaces.
Protected bike lanes: A proposed two-way protected bike lane connecting the Hudson River Greenway to the Manhattan Bridge would make Canal Street a safer and more reliable east-west corridor for cyclists. DOT data shows protected bike lanes reduce serious traffic injuries and fatalities by nearly 20–30 percent.
Simplified intersections: Redesigned traffic flow will cut down on cut-through driving, reduce conflicts between cars and pedestrians, and help keep smaller side streets safer.

Public Engagement: A Critical Step

NYC DOT is hosting five community workshops where residents, workers, and business owners can learn about the redesign and share input. Feedback is also being collected online through the DOT’s digital proposal and survey.

Community involvement is key: this corridor affects not only pedestrians and cyclists but also drivers and local businesses. Public input will help ensure the redesign addresses safety while balancing the economic needs of the neighborhood.

Why This Matters for Safety and Liability

From a legal standpoint, dangerous street design can play a role in car accident claims. When a roadway has a history of crashes, the City may face increased scrutiny for failing to address known safety hazards. While drivers remain primarily responsible for operating their vehicles safely, infrastructure plays a vital role in preventing collisions.

The proposed redesign of Canal Street could reduce the risk of devastating accidents and potentially limit future liability for the City by addressing long-standing safety concerns. For victims already injured in Canal Street crashes, however, their legal rights remain paramount.

Contact Our NYC Car Accident Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash on Canal Street or anywhere in New York City, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The attorneys at Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf have more than 100 years of experience representing accident victims and securing record-setting verdicts and settlements.

📞 Call 212-943-1090 or contact us online for a free consultation with a top-rated NYC car accident lawyer.