NYC Unveils Plans to Transform the Cross Bronx Expressway: Capping, Green Spaces, and Community Input

Reimagining the Cross Bronx: A Community-Driven Transformation

The New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) has announced plans to unveil concepts for improving communities around the Cross Bronx Expressway, including potential capping in appropriate areas. This ambitious project aims to reconnect communities, enhance safety, and lessen the highway's negative impacts on surrounding neighborhoods.

The city and state are holding a series of public engagement workshops in October to introduce these concepts, which include short-, medium-, and long-term investments. Attendees will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposals.

Key Concepts:

Short- and Mid-Term:

• Street safety improvements
• Accessibility enhancements
• Bike network connections
• Open Streets initiatives
• Transit improvements

Long-Term:

• Highway capping
• Reconnecting the urban grid
• Traffic management improvements
• Corridor-wide policies and programs to address non-transportation related issues
• Preliminary ideas for future steps following the study

The study team will also share 10 key metrics to measure the potential relative benefit of each proposed highway cap. Feasible locations for highway capping will be recommended for further study and investment in consultation with the community.

Public Engagement:

Workshops:

• In-Person:
  • Wednesday, October 23, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at MS 331, 40 W Tremont Ave, Bronx, NY 10453
  • Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at P.S. 106 The Parkchester School at 1514 Olmstead Ave, Bronx, NY 10462
• Virtual: Monday, October 28, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Website Resources:

• For updated information on the project, visit nyc.gov/CrossBronx. The Spanish website is available at nyc.gov/ElCrossBronx.

Support for the Project:

The project has received support from numerous officials, including:

• United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
• New York State Senator Nathalia Fernandez
• New York State Senator Robert Jackson
• New York State Senator Gustavo Rivera
• New York State Assemblymember Landon Dais
• New York City Council Majority Leader Amanda Farias
• New York City Councilmember Oswald Feliz
• Quentin Ball, executive director of I Challenge Myself
• Loving the Bronx founder Nilka Martell and Morris Park Business Improvement District Dr. Camelia Tepelus

This project represents a unique opportunity to improve the lives of Bronx residents and create a more equitable and sustainable city. The city and state are encouraging residents to participate in the public engagement workshops to help shape the future of the Cross Bronx.