Streetsblog New York City

These DOT photos [PDF] show off the revamped Bronx Hub -- the shopping district and transit nexus in Melrose that just received a slew of livable streets improvements. Planters, surfacing, and a few strategically placed concrete islands demarcate pretty substantial new swaths of pedestrian space, including a block-long plaza (shown above and in bird's eye view below). There's also a short stretch of exclusive bus territory and some interesting bike lane treatments. Follow the jump for more pics.

Work is underway on a major livable streets makeover [PDF] for the Hub -- a shopping mecca in Melrose that some have called "the Times Square of the Bronx." The DOT plan simplifies a complex traffic pattern where three streets converge. In the process, space is transferred from vehicles to sidewalk extensions, pedestrian refuges, and a new, block-long public plaza.

Other "Sustainable Streets" priorities are converging here too. New bike routes are planned for Third Avenue and Willis/Melrose Avenue, and New York City Transit has re-routed several bus routes in coordination with DOT's changes.

A tipster reports that some of the pedestrian refuges have already been completed. Streetsblog has requests in to DOT and DDC for a construction status report. Update: DDC says the projected completion date is next April (more specifics on the way, perhaps). If you have pictures, send them to us or upload to the Streetsblog Flickr pool.

After the jump, an overhead view of the Hub's pedestrian enhancements.