Governor Hochul Announces Completion of $44.7 Million Bridge Rehabilitation Along Bruckner Expressway in the Bronx

Bridge Over Rosedale Avenue Modernized to Enhance Safety and Improve Resiliency Along Vital Commuter Artery

Project Builds on New York State's Unprecedented Commitment to Enhance Infrastructure and Quality of Life for Residents in the South Bronx

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that construction has been completed on a $44.7 million project that restored and modernized the bridge carrying the Bruckner Expressway over Rosedale Avenue, enhancing safety and improving resiliency along a vital commuter artery in the Bronx used by tens of thousands of vehicles each day and critical to the movement of goods around the region. The rehabilitation project reduced the number of bridge spans and utilized stainless steel and other weather-resistant materials to reinforce the structural components, reduce long-term maintenance costs and extend the lifespan of the bridge by more than 40 years. The work is part of the State's unprecedented commitment to rebuild and reimagine infrastructure in the South Bronx and improve the quality of life for residents - investments that include the recently concluded $1.7 billion Hunts Point Access Improvement Project.

“New York State’s commitment to build back our vital infrastructure is unwavering as we create safer and more resilient roads and bridges that keep people moving, grow our economy and strengthen our neighborhoods,” Governor Hochul said. “The rehabilitation of this important bridge along the Bruckner Expressway preserves a vital connector for travelers in the South Bronx and will ensure continued movement of people and goods through this busy corridor.”

A focal point of the project, which began in the spring of 2023, was the transformation of the original 27-span bridge into a three-span structure that eliminated the need for bridge joints, will require less annual maintenance and will result in fewer roadside emergencies. Stainless steel was also utilized to reinforce the bridge deck, further reducing maintenance costs. The brick façade of the bridge was replaced with fibrous cement – precast concrete panels on the top and reinforced cast-in-place concrete at the base - increasing the structural durability of the wall and adding a more aesthetically appealing appearance for the neighborhood.

Other upgrades include new lighting and a new drainage system for improved resiliency. The steel girders were painted, and sections of Bruckner Boulevard and Rosedale Avenue under the Bruckner Expressway were milled and paved with an asphalt overlay. Standard barriers were installed to enhance safety for the traveling public.