Governor Cuomo Announces Start of $45.1 Million Project to Reconstruct Key Ramp to Cross Bronx Expressway

Ramp from Northbound Sheridan Boulevard to Westbound Cross Bronx Expressway in the Bronx to be Rebuilt and Four Nearby Bridges Repaired

 

Project Builds on the State's Unprecedented Investment in the South Bronx 

 

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the start of a $45.1 million project to reconstruct and realign the 700-foot-long entrance ramp leading from northbound Sheridan Boulevard to westbound Cross Bronx Expressway (Interstate 95) in the Bronx. The 70-year-old ramp will be replaced by a modern structure with wider shoulders, concrete protective barriers and a smoother curvature that will ease traffic flow and enhance safety along this busy corridor. Reconstruction of the ramp, which handles more than 8,000 vehicles a day, will help keep highway traffic off local roads. Structural repairs will also be made to four nearby bridges and new landscaping added to the pedestrian and bicycle path leading to Starlight Park. The project complements the state's unprecedented investment to enhance infrastructure in the South Bronx.

"This project will further the tremendous progress we have made in the South Bronx  by removing the physical barriers that for years have hampered growth and impacted quality of life," Governor Cuomo said. "The reconstructed ramp and other improvements help to reduce congestion and create better travel conditions along this vital corridor, fostering vitality and economic opportunity throughout the community."

The existing ramp, which currently consists of nine bridge spans, will be rebuilt using four spans, which will reduce the number of required bridge joints and significantly decrease future maintenance needs. Rebuilding with fewer spans, including the elimination of one pier that currently extends into the Bronx River, will also create more open space below the bridge and improve the environmental quality of the river. Scheduled for completion in spring 2023, the new ramp will provide a service life of approximately 75 years. New, energy-efficient LED lights will also be installed on the ramp. 

During construction, a temporary ramp will be built from southbound Sheridan Boulevard to the westbound Cross Bronx Expressway to ensure continued traffic flow. In addition, a temporary left turn signal will be installed at northbound Sheridan Boulevard to allow traffic to access the westbound Cross Bronx Expressway. 

Improvements - including bearing and joint replacements, pavement resurfacing and repairs to the concrete, railings and bridge decks - will also be made to three bridges along the Cross Bronx Expressway between West Farms Road and the Bronx River Parkway and the eastbound Cross Bronx Expressway exit ramp to southbound Sheridan Boulevard.

Additionally, the project will plant native trees and vegetation to enhance the natural landscape along the pedestrian and bicycle pathway leading from East 177th Street to Starlight Park. 

 

This project builds on the South Bronx's transformational progress under Governor Cuomo's leadership that also includes the transformation of the Sheridan Expressway from an interstate highway to a pedestrian-friendly boulevard; the rehabilitation of the Bruckner Expressway; and the ongoing Hunts Point Access Improvement Project.

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "The start of this project marks another great step forward for the Bronx and demonstrates yet again Governor Cuomo's commitment to building a 21st Century transportation network that benefits all residents. The Department of Transportation is proud to have played a major role in helping to make the Governor's vision for a revitalized Bronx a reality through our work on the Hunts Point and the Sheridan Boulevard and Bruckner Expressway projects; and we are delighted to get going with this new and exciting project."