New Astoria roundabout draws complaints from some residents

A new roundabout at 31st Avenue and Newtown Road in Astoria is drawing complaints from some residents as the city Department of Transportation continues work on safety improvements along 31st Avenue. The redesigned intersection is part of phase two of the DOT's 31st Avenue project, which includes safety improvements and a continuous bike lane from Steinway Street to 51st Street. Work is ongoing, with DOT crews seen Tuesday painting new traffic markings. For about a month, residents have been adjusting to the new traffic pattern. Some said the change has created confusion and made the intersection harder to navigate. “It's a disaster, personally it is a disaster,” said Leonard Divittorio, a lifelong Astoria resident. Olga Richter called the change “horrible.” Before the redesign, Newtown Road cut diagonally through the neighborhood, creating a large gap between corners at the intersection.

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