On October 17, New York Mayor Eric Adams announced an ambitious redesign project for Fifth Avenue aimed at increasing pedestrian space and reducing vehicle lanes.

This initiative marks the first major redesign of Fifth Avenue, coinciding with its 200th anniversary.

Fifth Avenue, a renowned 10-kilometer thoroughfare famous for its luxury shops and landmarks like the Empire State Building, is set to become more pedestrian-friendly by 2028.

The redesign will involve widening sidewalks along approximately 40 blocks, reducing traffic lanes from five to three, and adding seating areas, trees, and planters.

Sidewalks are expected to nearly double in width, enhancing pedestrian safety by shortening crossing distances.

Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi emphasized the need for expanded sidewalks due to high pedestrian traffic, noting that Fifth Avenue hosts more people per hour than Madison Square Garden during peak times.

City officials envision the new Fifth Avenue resembling famous pedestrian boulevards like the Champs-Élysées in Paris.

The project is estimated to cost over $350 million, funded through a mix of public and private financing, and officials believe it could pay for itself within five years through increased tax revenues.

However, transit advocates have raised concerns that the plan may not adequately address the needs of public bus services and cyclists.

Bicycle advocates criticized the plan for not including bike lanes, although the city plans to create a two-way bike lane on Sixth Avenue.

The Fifth Avenue redesign is part of broader transportation proposals, including plans to cap stretches of the Cross Bronx Expressway to create new parks and greenspaces.

A public meeting regarding the plan is scheduled for later this month, with construction expected to begin in 2028.