New York City Installed Safety Upgrades in Kensington
The city lowered speed limits and added traffic calming measures near two local schools to protect students.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Secondary Education
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New York City has launched safety upgrades on roads surrounding P.S. 889 and M.S. 890 in the Kensington neighborhood. The project includes lowering the speed limit to 15 mph to improve visibility for the 700 students present during arrival and dismissal.
Why it matters
The initiative aims to address a history of traffic injuries by shortening crossing distances and streamlining traffic flow. The city expanded its School Safety Zones program to make the area safer for pedestrians and young commuters.
The speed limit on Coney Island Avenue has been reduced from 20 mph to 15 mph. Infrastructure improvements include a new traffic median, painted curb extensions, and standardized traffic directions.
The players
New York City Department of Transportation
This agency is responsible for the design, management, and maintenance of city streets and transportation infrastructure.
P.S. 889
This public elementary school is located in the Kensington neighborhood and is served by the new traffic safety upgrades.
M.S. 890
This public middle school is located in Kensington and serves as a focal point for the recent school zone safety improvements.
The details
The project builds on previous safety work, which included the installation of a new traffic light and crosswalk. The city expects the full suite of upgrades to be finalized by the end of 2026.
Timeline
65 people were injured on Coney Island Avenue between 2021 and 2025.
The project is expected to reach completion by the end of 2026.
Roadmap
This project fits into the broader urban planning strategy of the New York City School Safety Zones program. By prioritizing pedestrian infrastructure over vehicle throughput, the city continues its shift toward Vision Zero objectives.
Commuters and local residents should expect updated traffic patterns and lower speed limits along Coney Island Avenue near the schools. Drivers will need to adjust to the new traffic median and curb extensions which prioritize student crossing safety.
The takeaway
Urban infrastructure changes often prioritize student safety in high-traffic school zones to reduce historical injury rates. Residents in Kensington should anticipate easier crossing experiences and safer streets as the city completes the remaining phases of the project.
Further reading
Learn more about local educational environments in our Secondary Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News 12 - Brooklyn.
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