NYC making parts of Broadway into pedestrian plaza

Two heavily used swaths of New York City's Broadway will become pedestrian plazas in May to help reduce traffic and pollution.

It's an experiment that -- if successful -- could become permanent.

Last summer, the city designated two lanes of Broadway for bikes and a public esplanade between 35th and 42nd streets.

Now, a City Hall spokesman says the concept is being taken a step further. Broadway will be closed to vehicles at Times Square, from 42nd to 47th streets. A couple of blocks at Herald Square, 33rd to 35th streets, also will be closed.

The plan will provide amenities for outdoorsy types, including cafe tables and benches. Traffic still will be allowed on cross streets.