The Disconnection of The Bronx
More than a dozen community and advocacy groups are joining forces against a $900 million “Five Bridges Project” to “transform” the Cross Bronx Expressway.
That project, which Gov. Kathy Hochul announced in January, aims to repair five bridges along the Cross Bronx Expressway. Key to the project is a “multi-modal connector” — temporary new roadways to keep traffic flowing that would then become permanent bus, bike, and pedestrian lanes alongside the highway. A $150 million federal grant is helping pay for the project.
The Coalition’s Concerns
The coalition of Bronx and transit groups, including the Bronx River Alliance, Transportation Alternatives, Riders Alliance, Bronx Community Board 6, The Point CDC, Nos Quedamos, and Morning Glory Community Garden, is calling on the governor to abandon the state Department of Transportation’s plan and find a way to repair those bridges without building those additional lanes, which they say would increase air pollution and stormwater runoff.
The Disconnection of The Bronx
Built in 1963 by Robert Moses, the Cross Bronx Expressway sliced through Bronx neighborhoods, contributing to the borough’s air pollution and high asthma rates, particularly in the South Bronx.
The Reimagining of the Highway
A $2 million feasibility study to reimagine the highway, which U.S. Reps. Ritchie Torres and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez helped secure, is expected to be completed by the end of this year. That reimagining could possibly include capping parts of the highway, both east and west of the bridges.
The State’s Response
A spokesperson for the state Department of Transportation stressed that the Hochul administration is seeking local collaboration. "As these local officials and advocates are well aware, this major investment to replace the Bronx’s crumbling infrastructure is in its earliest phases, and no decisions will be made without public input," said Glenn Blain.
Conclusion
The future of the Cross Bronx Expressway is uncertain, with the coalition of community and advocacy groups calling for a new approach to repair the bridges without adding more lanes. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the state will listen to the concerns of the community and find a more sustainable solution.
FAQs
Q: What is the Five Bridges Project?
A: The Five Bridges Project is a $900 million plan to repair five bridges along the Cross Bronx Expressway.
Q: What are the concerns about the project?
A: The coalition of community and advocacy groups is concerned that the project will increase air pollution and stormwater runoff, and that the "multi-modal connector" roads will not benefit the community.
Q: What is the state’s response to the concerns?
A: The state Department of Transportation has stated that it is seeking local collaboration and public input, but the coalition is calling for a more comprehensive approach to repair the bridges.
Q: What is the future of the Cross Bronx Expressway?
A: The future of the Cross Bronx Expressway is uncertain, with the coalition calling for a new approach to repair the bridges without adding more lanes.
