Canal Street's first redesign phase is slated to start this fall

The city's long-discussed overhaul of Canal Street is moving from slides to street work, starting with the western half of the corridor.

A Department of Transportation presentation to community boards in July lays out two phases. Phase 1, covering Canal Street west of Broadway and a new bike connection on Grand Street, is scheduled for implementation in fall 2026. Phase 2, covering the more crowded stretch east of Broadway, is planned for 2027. DOT says that part needs more feedback and coordination among agencies on vending, loading and curb access.

What's in the plan

• More room to walk. DOT proposes painted curb extensions, which Secret NYC calls "super sidewalks," plus concrete curb extensions and islands to shorten long crossings.
• Bike link. A protected two-way bike lane on Grand Street to create an east-west connection. DOT says Grand is typically 34 feet wide, parking stays on the north curb, and the lane would cost an average of five to seven parking spaces per block.
• Greenery and protection. About 60 granite blocks and 60 planters along painted space, maintained by the Horticultural Society (HORT), according to the deck.

Secret NYC, summarizing the broader proposal, reports that it also includes closing the last block of Walker Street, between Baxter and Mulberry, to enlarge the plaza at the Chinatown information kiosk. It also points to a 2022 DOT survey that found only small shares of shoppers and restaurant-goers on Canal arrive by car.

How to weigh in

Secret NYC reports that DOT will present the Grand Street bike lane to Community Board 2's Traffic and Transportation Committee on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 6:30 p.m., in person at 3 Washington Square Village or on Zoom.