Commuters in Norwood can expect transit and pedestrian safety improvements along the Webster Avenue Bx41 Select Bus Service route now that the city green-lit a contractor to complete the project.

The project is building on already completed upgrades that include one lane dedicated to buses and pockets of pedestrian islands that pepper the thoroughfare.

Services included in the renovations are real-time bus arrival information and additional shelters and seating. Construction will take place between East 205th Street in Norwood and East 165rd Street in Claremont Village with a sidewalk extension on the East side of Webster Avenue between East 194th and East 197th streets.

An additional pedestrian space at the intersections of East Tremont Avenue and Claremont Parkway is intended to advance bus operations, safety, and the overall pedestrian environment, according to a NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) spokesperson.

Another bus route can be expected from this plan on Webster Avenue from East 165th Street and East Gun Hill Road, which will add concrete medians, bus bulbs and curb extensions to the developments. Although commuters always embrace new bus routes, according to locals, the route that is highly anticipated is one that would travel directly from Webster Avenue to LaGuardia Airport in Queens.

The DOT, MTA New York City Transit, and New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) are collaborating on this $26 million project, with Oliveira Contracting Inc. performing the work.

A DOT spokesperson claims the improvements made during the first stage of this project are already making a difference, stating that the current Bx41 SBS operates 19 to 23 percent faster than the former Bx41 LTD and 97 percent of Bx41 SBS riders are “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the changes.

“People need the public transportation,” said frequent flyer Abdoul Diallo, “because people have to take a taxi to LaGuardia which costs around $50.”

“I would use it,” said Darwin Columna when asked about the route. “What makes it good is you can go to more places easier.”

“That’ll be nice, that’ll be nice for them,” said Anthony Meglin. Meglin, while not a traveler himself, still thinks this type of route would benefit the community.

The DOT has not officially announced whether or not a bus route to LaGuardia Airport will be included in this Webster Avenue SBS project, though there is a proposal in from the MTA for this specific route.

Construction is expected to start this summer.