City Will Close 2 Lanes on Broadway to Cars

New York City will close two lanes to cars on Broadway in midtown to make way for a bike lane and a pedestrian walkway with cafe tables.

The esplanade, called Broadway Boulevard, will run from 42nd Street eight blocks south to Herald Square, The New York Times reported today.

When it opens in mid-August it will change that section of Broadway from a four-lane to a two-lane street.

The project is in line with Mayor Bloomberg's vision of reducing traffic and pollution by encouraging bike riding and other alternatives to cars.

Planters filled with flowers will separate the pedestrian areas from car traffic.

Work on the project has started without a formal announcement.