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IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2025
Contact: (212) 839-4850, press@dot.nyc.gov

City, State Release Final Report to Reconnect Communities Divided by Cross Bronx Expressway

The Report Includes Short-, Mid-, and Long-Term Concepts That Address Community-Identified Issues Around Public Health, Safety, Open Space, and Traffic Congestion

Today's Announcement Is a Culmination of More Than Two Years of Public Engagement To Address Public Health, Street Safety, Open Space, and Quality-of-Life Concerns in Historically Underinvested Communities

Attendees at a previous Cross Bronx Expressway workshop discuss the corridor with agency officials. Credit: NYC DOT

NEW YORK – New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, and New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez today announced that the city and state have completed the landmark community-driven study to reimagine the Cross Bronx Expressway. The final vision report includes short-, mid-, and long-term concepts that directly address community-identified issues around public health, safety, open space, and traffic congestion and includes proposals for street redesigns, transit and accessibility improvements, bike network connections, Open Streets, and other community amenities including potentially capping certain areas along the Cross Bronx Expressway corridor.

"Seeing beyond what's there today – in this case, a highway trench that divides neighborhoods across the Bronx, increasing asthma rates and decreasing safety and walkability – towards what can be isn't always easy. But it is essential," said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. "We are deeply grateful to all the community members who participated in the two-year visioning study, as well as our partners at the state and federal level, for helping us arrive at this day – a solid vision for a more connected, healthier, more walkable Bronx. We look forward to working with SDOT to advance these concepts through preliminary engineering."

"With this milestone, New York City takes a huge step towards improving quality of life for the communities that live along the Cross Bronx Expressway," said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. "We look forward to advancing these short and mid-term improvements while supporting the state in their efforts to further study long-term solutions that will help create better transportation connections across the entire Cross Bronx corridor."

"The Cross Bronx Expressway cut a deep hole in the heart of the Bronx, and the release of this visioning study represents the first important step in reclaiming the expressway for the borough and its people. This two-year, community driven effort is a clear demonstration of the possibilities that truly exist along the corridor," said New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez. "Thanks to funding included in Governor Kathy Hochul's proposed executive budget, NYSDOT will begin a planning and linkages study to take an even deeper dive into exploring ways to reimagine the Cross Bronx Expressway and reconnect the communities in the Bronx torn apart by the original construction of this concrete barrier. We look forward to working with all our partners in the city and the communities who live in and around this highway as we work on this exciting new endeavor!"

"After two years of thorough, community-based planning, this report represents an important next step toward ending the generational harm the Cross Bronx Expressway has caused," said Department of City Planning Director Dan Garodnick. "With these proposed initiatives, from highway capping to public realm improvements, better transit access to street redesigns, and more, we can reconnect these divided neighborhoods and create a healthier, safer future for the Bronx."

"Together, we're building a stronger and healthier Bronx. Through intentional conversations with our Bronx neighbors, we've gathered community informed solutions that will have a meaningful impact on the health of this borough," said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. "Each individual's story informed this strategy and brings us one step closer to our goal: a more green, more healthy, and more equitable borough. We look forward to continuing this work."

The city will advance short- and mid-term projects, programs, and studies within its jurisdiction. NYSDOT will lead a Planning and Environmental Linkage (PEL) study in coordination with NYC DOT and other city and local stakeholders to further advance long-term concepts, including capping portions of the Cross Bronx Expressway.

Short-Term Projects and Programs

The city will undertake transformative projects and programs to improve conditions in the short-term. Safety and connectivity were the top priorities for many engagement participants. Projects will be implemented across the study area and can help improve public transit reliability, create new biking connections, and enhance safety for all roadway users. Examples of these projects include:

• Vision Zero safe street redesigns to reduce traffic injuries and deaths.
• New and continued planning initiatives to expand the cycling network and redesign intersections for safety.
• New bus stop upgrades, public seating, bike parking, and quality of life improvements for neighborhoods abutting the highway.
• Developing pedestrian, cycling, and public realm improvements between the Bronx Zoo and the Bronx River Greenway, including a new busway on East Tremont Avenue.
• Upgrades to make it easier and safer to connect Starlight Park and the Crotona Park East neighborhood as well as between Virginia Park and Virginia Playground.

Many short-term projects and programs will be advanced as early as 2025. City agencies have already begun advancing short- and medium-term projects through initial planning stages and are currently undertaking more detailed design and location-selection work. Some of these projects also help establish first steps for longer-term infrastructure investments.

Mid-Term Projects and Studies

In the mid-term, the city will advance more complex project concepts through capital planning and design development while deepening neighborhood planning efforts. Mid-term project concepts and programs are intended to meet community needs for improved connectivity, health, safety, and strength while laying groundwork for long-term infrastructure investments. Some of these projects include:

• A suite of neighborhood-wide reconstruction along the Jerome Avenue corridor to enhance safety and make public spaces more welcoming.
• Studies to construct new raised crosswalks and safety enhancements at bus stops underneath elevated subway structures.
• A reconstruction of the East 174th Street Bridge to include an improved pedestrian and new cycling facilities along an important east-west bike network connection.
• Future neighborhood planning studies into zoning & land use, waterfront planning, and potential public space improvements to underused parcels of land.

Long-Term Concepts

The Study Team developed a series of long-term concepts that could add new north-south connections across the Cross Bronx, provide new east-west transportation options, improve traffic flow and safety, and create new public spaces. These concepts include highway caps, new or improved pedestrian bridges, ramp redesigns, and repurposing underutilized space. Each long-term concept would require extensive further study. Funding would also need to be identified and secured. Some of these concepts include:

• Activating Under the Elevated between Webster Avenue and Third Avenue.
• A potential continuous highway cap between University Avenue and Walton Avenue.
• A potential highway cap to reconnect Walter Gladwin and Crotona Parks.
• A potential highway cap at Hugh J. Grant Circle and Virginia Park.

In her State of the State address, Governor Kathy Hochul announced plans to build on this visioning study by committing resources to conduct a Planning and Environmental Linkage (PEL) study.  NYSDOT will lead the PEL Study in coordination with NYC DOT, New York City and local stakeholders to further advance options, including capping portions of the Cross Bronx Expressway. The Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Planning and Environmental Linkages PEL provides a framework for a collaborative and integrated approach to transportation decision-making.

PEL uses the information, analysis, or products developed during planning to inform the environmental review process, including the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). PEL can prevent the need to duplicate efforts and can expedite environmental review processes, shortening the timeline between planning for and construction of a project. 

Long-term project concepts, including potential highway caps, would require large amounts of city, state, and federal funding. Once funding is awarded, planning, design, and eventual construction processes could proceed. Each long-term concept would require additional engineering study, design work, environmental review, and extensive community engagement.  

Constructed largely in the 1950s and 1960s, the Cross-Bronx Expressway divides the borough, cutting directly through neighborhoods — negatively impacting the local communities and economies while bringing noise and air pollution that affects the health and wellbeing of local residents.

The final vision is the result of a multi-agency effort across NYSDOT and the New York City Department of Transportation, Department of Planning, and Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Funding for the study came from a $2 million U.S. Department of Transportation Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant.

"The completion of this landmark study represents a critical step forward in reimagining the Cross Bronx Expressway. It is a testament to the power of community-driven solutions, as we work to address the public health, safety, and environmental concerns that have for too long affected Bronx resident," said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. "By advancing projects that improve traffic flow, accessibility, and open space, we are building a safer, healthier, and more connected Bronx for current and future generations. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with our partners at the city and state levels to turn this vision into a reality."

"Community-driven proposals in this report provide a clear path forward, focusing on the creation of more green spaces, safe bike lanes, and improvements to public transit. I was proud to advocate for programs that invest in the health and well-being of the Bronx like capping sections of the Cross Bronx Expressway," said Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. "By implementing these projects, we begin to undo the harms caused by years of pollution from vehicle emissions and reunite parts of our city. I appreciate the New York State and New York City Departments of Transportation for their partnership in getting this report across the finish line."

"Today's announcement marks a pivotal step forward for the Bronx—a community-driven vision that finally puts our residents first. I commend the NYC Department of Transportation, NYSDOT, and especially the dedicated community members whose tireless advocacy and participation have guided this landmark study," said New York State Senator Robert Jackson. "By addressing both immediate needs and outlining ambitious long-term goals, we are confronting decades of infrastructure harm head-on. The Bronx deserves safe streets, cleaner air, and vibrant public spaces, and I am committed to working alongside our city and state partners to see this vision become reality. Together, we are reimagining a future where the Bronx is connected, healthier, and thriving for generations to come."

"For too long, the Cross Bronx Expressway has divided our neighborhoods and harmed our health, with Bronx residents experiencing asthma rates nearly three times higher than the national average. Our communities deserve better," said New York State Assemblymember Emerita Torres. "The NYC Department of Transportation is committed to making our streets safer, improving transit, and expanding open spaces where they're needed most. In collaboration with our partners, we are actively working to reduce congestion, reunite neighborhoods, and build a healthier, more equitable Bronx."

"As a Bronx resident, a mother raising children near the Cross Bronx Expressway, and an oncology nurse, I am well aware of the disastrous impacts that the Cross Bronx Expressway (CBE) has had on our communities" said Assembly Member Karines Reyes, R.N., Chair of the NYS Assembly & Senate's Puerto Rican / Hispanic Task Force. "I applaud the partnering agencies, advocates and residents that participated in this exhaustive, yearslong study of the problems facing our communities and potential solutions to address these longstanding issues. Now, in the next phase of this effort, we look forward to working with partners in every level of government to secure the necessary investments to get below-grade portions of the CBE capped with a deck park. This will allow us to protect our communities from continued exposure to negative outcomes in neighborhood health and the environment."

"For decades, the Cross Bronx Expressway has divided our communities, polluted our air, and put Bronx residents at higher risk for serious health issues. This community-driven vision is a vital step toward reversing the environmental and economic harm caused by this outdated infrastructure," said New York City Council Majority Leader Amanda Farias. "By prioritizing safer streets, better transit, and transformative solutions like highway caps, we are building a healthier, better connected, and more equitable Bronx. I look forward to working with my colleagues, community leaders, and all levels of government to bring these plans to life for the people of the Bronx."

"I am excited to see the final reports to reimagine the Cross Bronx Expressway, and I am thankful for all the agencies that have taken the necessary steps to unify the Bronx community," said New York City Councilmember Oswald Feliz. "I look forward to seeing the accessibility and quality of life improvements this project will achieve."

"I Challenge Myself is thrilled that the City of New York is focusing attention on the area around the Cross Bronx Expressway," said Quentin Ball, executive director of I Challenge Myself. "The short and long-term concepts will lead to healthier and vibrant communities, in which students in our programs live."

"Loving the Bronx and Morris Park Business Improvement District (MPBID) welcome the completion of the unprecedented "Reimagine the Cross Bronx" study, and thank all project partners for their dedication to capturing community concerns into short-, medium- and long term recommendations," said Nilka Martell, founder, Loving the Bronx and Dr. Camelia Tepelus, executive director, MPBID. "We trust that this in-depth, first of its kind report will lead to concrete future actions towards the identified recommendations improving public health, safety, accessibility, expanding green spaces and alleviating traffic congestion. We urge all concerned agencies and decision-makers to coordinate towards implementing the study concepts and projects, especially capping of the identified areas along the Cross Bronx Expressway corridor. We appreciate the continuation of this important work through the forthcoming NY State DOT-led Planning and Environmental (PEL) study."

"New Settlement has been proud to be a community partner with the NYCDOT in the Reimagine the Cross Bronx process, and are inspired by the advocacy and dedication of Bronx residents to address the destruction and ongoing disparities that communities throughout the Bronx have experienced through the development of major highway infrastructure projects such as the Cross Bronx and Major Deegan Expressway," said Chauncy Young on behalf of New Settlement. "New York City should no longer prioritize highway infrastructure over people's lives. New Settlement looks forward to working with New York City towards reconnecting communities and supporting the development of the Harlem River Greenway and participating in a comprehensive NYC Greenway Plan, all while creating additional green space and improving green and grey infrastructure to improve our borough's ability to manage climate change."

"Reimagining the Cross Bronx to center the health and wellbeing of residents is a long time coming," said Earle C. Chambers, epidemiologist and professor of family and social medicine at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine- Montefiore Health System. "This release by NYC DOT of the Cross Bronx Final Vision marks an exciting moment for Bronx residents in the area who have advocated over the years for a healthier neighborhood and whose ideas inform this report."

"After filling kids' lungs with soot for several decades, the notorious Cross Bronx Expressway must be transformed," said Riders Alliance Policy & Communications Director Danny Pearlstein. "With support from the Biden administration, city officials conducted a robust community engagement process. Now, it's time to get the work done, protect families by prioritizing trucks and buses on major parallel streets, and send regional and national traffic away from Bronx children."

"The Cross-Bronx Expressway is an essential freight corridor for our region, playing a crucial role in managing the movement of goods across the George Washington Bridge. We appreciate DOT for recognizing the need to balance reconnecting communities with maintaining the efficient and safe transportation of freight along this vital artery," said Zach Miller, vice president for government affairs at the Trucking Association of New York. "We support DOT's commitment to ensuring that truck access remains a key component of the reimagined expressway. At the same time, we commend efforts to integrate forward-thinking solutions such as dedicated busways, microhubs, and blue highways where feasible. These enhancements will serve to ensure a safe and efficient freight network."

"The Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York (CIDNY) recognizes that people with disabilities need to live and work in an area that has reduced levels of pollution," said Sharon McLennon Wier, Ph.D., MSEd., CRC, LMHC, executive director of CIDNY. "Bronx County has the highest levels of people with disabilities including those with respiratory disabilities and other medical disabilities. The Cross Bronx redesign should assist people with disabilities in obtaining clean air, more reliable transportation, and a better quality of life."

"Workers Justice Project and Los Deliveristas Unidos commends NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and NYSDOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez for completing the landmark community-driven study to reimagine the Cross Bronx Expressway, which incorporates the critical need for e-micro mobility infrastructure," said Ligia Guallpa, executive director, Worker's Justice Project / Los Deliveristas Unidos. "This is an important step toward creating safer and more equitable streets for our communities, including delivery workers. These improvements are essential not only for public health and safety, but also for ensuring safer streets for the 65,000 app delivery workers who navigate these areas every day. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with city and state leaders to advocate for solutions that prioritize the needs of these workers."

"It is vital that our community and all levels of government work collaboratively to improve health and safety across the Bronx. Fordham University is delighted with the release of this study on the reimagining of the Cross Bronx Expressway," said Travis Proulx, vice president for external affairs at Fordham University. "We are proud to have been an early supporter of this review, are committed to continued engagement with our neighbors throughout the Bronx, and thank Commissioners Rodriguez and Dominguez for their partnership."