Traffic light installed at site where Ruth Mullen was killed

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Pedestrians and cyclists no longer need to fear the intersection of Kappock Street and Johnson Avenue in Spuyten Duyvil.

The city’s transportation department is serious this time. Nearly a year after political activist Ruth Mullen was killed by a Metropolitan Transportation Authority express bus at the dangerous intersection, a traffic light has been installed.

“The safety of our neighbors is of the utmost importance,” Councilman Eric Dinowitz said. “After the tragic death on this corner of Ruth Mullen, we immediately met with DOT and raised awareness to address the safety concerns of the neighborhood.”

Following this, the DOT repainted the crosswalks, installed turn-calming measures, and improved nighttime visibility in the area.

After video surveillance footage allegedly revealed Dwayne Campbell failed to yield to a pedestrian while making a turn with his BxM1 bus onto Johnson, the driver was charged with a misdemeanor.

Since then, the transportation department has tried to temporarily add caution signs for drivers by using construction cones and yielding signs. Yet, they didn’t seem to work.

During a Community Board 8 traffic and transportation committee meeting, chair Deb Travis said neighbor Craig Sachs  was hit by a Honda Civic last May.

The driver was quite furious, said Sachs, who suffered minor injuries.

”As Ruth Mullen’s first death anniversary nears, we are grateful that the long-waited traffic signal at Kappock Street and Johnson Avenue is installed and functioning,” said CB8 chair Laura Spalter, in a statement. “It should not have taken Ruth’s tragic death to make this intersection safe. The upgrade goes a long way toward improving safety and overall quality of life for those living near the” Kappock, Johnson intersection.

 

traffic light, Kappock Steet, Johnson Avenue, Ruth Mullen, DOT, Dwayne Campbell, Laura Spalter, CB8, Eric Dinowitz, city council