Traffic diverters, planters, boulders and other delineators placed in a New York City intersection hindered a FDNY fire truck from responding to a medical emergency sparking criticism of the Department of Transportation attempt to create open streets, according to report published by Astoria Post.
The barriers were installed on 34th Street in the Jackson Heights section of the city, according to the report, which added the demarcations are part of a visionary and safety enhancing initiative started by the DOT and supported by some advocates.
However, a number of residents say the barriers make it difficult for emergency vehicles, like fire trucks and ambulances to navigate and could thwart responses, according to the report. A video taken by an opponent of the measure shows an FDNY engine having difficulties navigating the maze of barriers, the report says, noting that the video went viral prompting responses from both advocates and proponents of the traffic restricting efforts.
According to the report, FDNY officials signed off on the initiative and didn’t give any indication that apparatus would have difficulty negotiating the intersection. The report also said FDNY has said there were no issues with the response, despite what appears to be clear evidence that the truck had difficulties navigating and ultimately backed out of the intersection after two firefighters jumped out to assess the situation.
The person who videoed the encounter can be heard making commentary about the state of affairs and how she disagreed with the Open Streets initiative that the DOT is planning to make permanent.