Changes for the worse? Residents say intersection is more dangerous despite DOT changes

In June, News 12 visited a Belmont intersection due to residents’ concern that "traffic calming" measures added by the DOT made it more dangerous.

News 12 The Bronx went back to the location after being told more accidents have happened at Hughes Avenue and East Fordham Road.

The latest incident happened on July 31 at the intersection.

Reinaldo Garcia, who works at the next intersection at Arthur Avenue, says he's seen it before.

"Since they built that to make it safer, it's become unsafe," says Garcia.

News 12 is told the Department of Transportation installed traffic calming measures like the bumpers along Fordham Road about a year ago and because of those changes, many Bronx residents say they've noticed more accidents.

They say at night it's very hard to see that bumper when making the turn.

"I don't cross the street on that side, I come on this side because it's very dangerous. Not even my child I let go over there," says Frank Franz, of the Belmont Business Improvement District.

Back in June, the DOT told News 12 it was aware of the concerns and was going to install more signage, which it did, but Franz says those signs easily get knocked off especially during these incidents.

"DOT should come here, study that and redo it again; try to make the cars not make that turn or make this one way or something," says Franz.

According to Vision Zero, there have been two injuries at the intersection through July 31 of this year.

Franz and Garcia say more residents are bound to get hurt if it keeps happening.