New Highway Boondoggle Threatens to Burden the Bronx: Is This What the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Was Meant For?

A Highway in the Name of 'Community Connection'?

The state of New York is pushing a new highway project in the Bronx, claiming it's a "multimodal community connector." But critics are calling it a boondoggle, arguing that the project will only exacerbate existing problems and burden an already overburdened community.

The plan involves building a mile-long, four-lane highway alongside the notorious Cross Bronx Expressway, touted as a bypass during a multi-year repair project. The state is using a $150 million federal grant from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to fund this project.

<figure> <img alt="" src="https://lede-admin.nyc.streetsblog.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/48/2024/08/Cross-Bronx-Expressway-multimodal-connector2.png?w=710" srcset="https://lede-admin.nyc.streetsblog.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/48/2024/08/Cross-Bronx-Expressway-multimodal-connector2.png?w=425&amp;quality=75 425w, https://lede-admin.nyc.streetsblog.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/48/2024/08/Cross-Bronx-Expressway-multimodal-connector2.png?w=850&amp;quality=75 850w, https://lede-admin.nyc.streetsblog.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/48/2024/08/Cross-Bronx-Expressway-multimodal-connector2.png?w=585&amp;quality=75 585w, https://lede-admin.nyc.streetsblog.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/48/2024/08/Cross-Bronx-Expressway-multimodal-connector2.png?w=1170&amp;quality=75 1170w, https://lede-admin.nyc.streetsblog.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/48/2024/08/Cross-Bronx-Expressway-multimodal-connector2.png?w=710&amp;quality=75 710w, https://lede-admin.nyc.streetsblog.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/48/2024/08/Cross-Bronx-Expressway-multimodal-connector2.png?w=1420&amp;quality=75 1420w" sizes="(max-width: 30rem) 425px, (min-width: 30rem) and (max-width: 40rem) 585px, (min-width: 40rem) 710px" loading="lazy"> <figcaption>It's the size of a highway, it runs right next to a highway, it has no stoplights, but the state says it's still not a highway.<span></span><span>New York State DOT</span></figcaption> </figure>

A Highway in Disguise

While the state highlights the inclusion of bike and bus lanes, critics argue these are mere cosmetic additions. They point out that the proposed route is too short to be useful for transit riders, and the area already has a street that provides an east-west connection. The project will likely increase noise and air pollution, further impacting a neighborhood already burdened by decades of environmental racism.

Doubling Down on Concrete

The project is seen as an unnecessary addition to the already existing infrastructure, with the state prioritizing highway expansions over more sustainable and equitable transportation solutions. The project directly contradicts the state's commitment to environmental protection and emissions reduction through the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

The proposed bypass is not the first time the state has considered such a project. A similar plan was proposed in 2004, but it was shelved. Now, with the Cross Bronx Expressway nearing the end of its life, the state is seizing the opportunity to further expand highway infrastructure in the Bronx.

A Missed Opportunity

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was designed to address the shortcomings of past infrastructure projects. But the state's approach in the Bronx seems to be repeating past mistakes, favoring concrete solutions over more sustainable and community-focused alternatives.

A Question of Transparency

Concerns have been raised about the lack of transparency surrounding the project. The state DOT's claim that the bridges on the Cross Bronx Expressway need to be completely replaced, instead of repaired, has not been supported with a new analysis.

The state is pushing forward with this project despite strong opposition from community activists and environmental groups. The future of this project now lies with the Federal Highway Administration, which will need to decide whether to approve the environmental review for the project.

This project raises serious questions about the state's priorities and its commitment to building a more sustainable and equitable future. It remains to be seen whether the state will listen to the concerns of the community and reconsider this highway boondoggle.