Teamwork in Action: Shomrim and City Agencies Reopen Bedford Avenue Early After Marathon

By Williamsburg Staff 365

For the second consecutive year, Bedford Avenue reopened hours earlier than usual following the New York City Marathon — the result of a joint community operation led by Shomrim, working closely with the NYPD, Sanitation Department, NYPD Traffic Division, and the NYC Mayor’s Office.

Typically, Bedford Avenue remains closed until around 7:00 PM on Marathon Sunday. This year, however, thanks to careful coordination and teamwork, the avenue and side streets began reopening at approximately 3:30 PM, allowing residents and local traffic to return much sooner.

This marks the second year that the community has worked together with all agencies involved to open Bedford Avenue as soon as possible — and it was once again a smashing success. Residents were already able to drive through the first reopened section at Bedford Avenue and Wallabout Street at around 3:30 in the afternoon, just after the last runner passed through around 2:30 PM.

By 5:18 PM, Bedford Avenue from Lafayette Avenue through Broadway, along with all side streets, was fully open to traffic.

Williamsburg365 spoke with Shomrim Coordinator Lemel Markowitz, who confirmed that “the first street that was opened instantly after the last runner was Bedford and Wallabout, at about 3:30 in the afternoon.” Markowitz emphasized that the early reopening marks “a strong collaboration and a great partnership with NYC Sanitation, NYPD, NYPD Traffic Division, and the NYC Mayor’s Office.”

Markowitz also added that he is “very grateful for the dedicated Shomrim volunteers who played a key role in this evening’s efforts — helping open all the side streets safely and ensuring a smooth and secure reopening for everyone.” He extended special thanks to the Community Affairs officers from the 90th Precinct for their assistance and continued partnership in making the operation successful.

Community residents praised the smooth coordination, noting how much it benefits local families. “Hundreds of people appreciate it — there are weddings, children coming home from school, and many other daily activities that depend on these streets being open,” they said.