The debate over the future of the Cross Bronx Expressway is heating up as state officials move forward with expansion plans. Critics, including community leaders and advocacy groups, are concerned about increased pollution and traffic from the proposed connector roads. “We need more parks, not more parkways,” said New York Assemblymember Landon Dais in the PIX11 report.
The proposed $900 million plan includes replacing five aging bridges and adding a ramp from the southbound Bronx River Parkway to the westbound Cross Bronx Expressway. It also features a Multi-modal Community Connector with bus lanes, bike lanes, and pedestrian paths. However, community groups, including the Bronx River Alliance, argue these changes are expansions that could harm local health and wellbeing, as per Eyewitness News. In January, Governor Kathy Hochul's office outlined the connector roadway's role in reducing traffic disruptions and speeding up bridge work during construction.
State officials and the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) argue that the project will improve the area by creating new public spaces and enhancing safety for drivers and pedestrians. However, Nilka Martell of the Bronx River Alliance told PIX11, “This project must align with community needs and not worsen but remedy it. Don’t widen roads. We demand community engagement,” highlighting the need for solutions that truly benefit residents.
NYSDOT spokesperson Glenn Blain emphasized the importance of public involvement, stating that no decisions will be made without continued public input. He also acknowledged that the project is in its early stages and promised to work with the community to create a final plan that meets Bronx residents' needs. However, critics like Congressman Ritchie Torres worry that projects like the connector roadway could worsen the divide between the expressway and nearby neighborhoods.
Contracts for the project could be issued by next summer, with construction potentially starting at the end of 2025 and lasting about five years. In the meantime, local community boards are requesting more planning meetings with state officials. Detailed proposals and an environmental review are expected to be released in the coming weeks, revealing the full impact of the Cross Bronx Expressway upgrades.
