NYC DOT Design Study to Examine New Access Ramp to Hutch Metro Complex Via Hutchinson River Parkway
New Access Point Would Significantly Reduce Congestion, Improve Traffic Flow, Provide Emergency Exit for More Than 10,000 Employees & Visitors
BRONX – State Senator Jeff Klein , together with New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto President of Simone Metro Properties Joe Kelleher, the Department of City Planning, Community Boards 10 and 11, local activists and community groups, today announced $1 million in state funding for the new NYC DOT preliminary design study to reduce congestion at the Hutchinson Metro Center in the Bronx.
The study will examine the feasibility of and develop a conceptual plan to construct a new southbound access ramp to the Hutch Metro Center via the Hutchinson River Parkway, in addition to the creation of a service road and two way-public street connecting to the complex.
“Today, there is no doubt that the Bronx is booming. We have seen an economic resurgence like never before, and thriving commercial developments like the Hutchinson Metro Center have played a central role in that growth. With this tremendous success, we have also seen an increase in the number of employees, students, patients and visitors to the Center causing additional traffic congestion,” said Senator Jeff Klein. “A new access ramp connecting the Hutch Metro Center to the Hutchinson River Parkway is not only feasible, but necessary. I commend Commissioner Trottenberg, Assemblyman Bendetto and Councilman Vacca for their efforts to see this plan through to fruition. I look forward to working with the DOT, Simone Metro Properties and the local community as we continue to make smart investments in infrastructure, economic development and transportation for years to come.”
“DOT is glad to work closely with the Pelham Bay community and elected officials to explore options near the Hutchinson River Parkway that will keep pedestrians and motorists moving safely,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. “It is critical that our infrastructure, including key thoroughfares like this one, supports the significant growth we are seeing in this area.”
In 2013, the Department of City Planning conducted a preliminary study of the Hutch corridor to address community concerns regarding traffic mitigation. The NYC DOT study will build on the initial work of DCP, further investing traffic flow, while focusing specifically on the design and construction of a new southbound on-ramp, off-ramp on the Hutchinson River Parkway. With widespread community support and new developments on the horizon, the access ramp would significantly reduce congestion, improve existing traffic patterns and provide an emergency exit for the more than 10,000 employees, patients and guests visiting the Hutch Metro Center each day.
"I am extremely pleased the DOT will be pursuing a preliminary design study in regards to the Hutchinson Metro Center. It shows that when people look creatively at a problem, solutions can be found,” said Assemblyman Michael Benedetto. “This design will benefit all stakeholders: the Hutch Metro Center , the workers, the clients and the local community."
“We are in the middle of a dramatic resurgence of the northeast Bronx with over three million square feet of new office and retail construction along the Hutch/I-95 corridors in the past several years. In order for the job-creating development to continue and expand throughout this region, we need to have intelligent, planned infrastructure enhancement,” said Joseph Kelleher, President of Simone Metro Properties. “We commend Senator Jeff Klein for recognizing this need and for his role in advancing this critical initiative. We are thankful for his vision and leadership. We want to thank Assemblyman Benedetto and Councilman Vacca for being part of the process as well. With the cooperation of our elected officials and with continued investment by private developers, we are confident that the resurgence of the New Bronx will continue.”
The preliminary design investigation is slated to begin this summer. The project includes a topographic survey, traffic analysis, schematic design, cost assessment and environmental impact statement. In the coming year, the 42-acre Hutch Metro Center will see construction completed on the new Marriott Residence Inn and the addition of an expansive 550,000-square-foot 911 call center adjacent to the office complex.
Above - The proposed new Exit/Entrance to the Hutch Metro Center from the Hutchinson River Parkway/
Below - The study area.
Above - Senator Klein speaks of the future of the area, and the needs such as this new exit/entrance ramp for the Hutch Metro Center.
Below - NYCDOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg explains the cities commitment to ease traffic problems in and around the Hutch Metro center.
Assemblyman Benedetto answers my question of improvements to Eastchester and Williamsbridge Roads on the west side of the Hutch Metro Center, by saying the whole area is to be studied.
