NEW YORK — New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Wednesday announced the completion of a new access ramp to the southbound Cross Bronx Freeway from northbound Sheridan Boulevard.
The new ramp, which can handle more than 8,000 vehicles a day, will improve safety and traffic flow at this busy interchange that is vital to the flow of people and commerce in and out of the South Bronx.
The completion of the ramp marks a major milestone in an ongoing $45 million State Department of Transportation project that will also rehabilitate four bridges along the Cross Bronx Expressway, also known as Interstate 95.
“We are taking another important step in transforming the South Bronx by reducing congestion and improving the quality of life for those who live and work in the community,” Governor Hochul said. “This new entrance ramp demonstrates my administration’s continued commitment to improve our transportation infrastructure, grow our economy and build a brighter future for New Yorkers.”
The project replaced the previous 70-year-old entrance ramp to the westbound Cross Bronx Expressway with a modern structure that has an approximate 75-year service life and features wider shoulders and less curvature to make it easier for motorists, especially truckers. – drive on the road at reasonable speeds. New energy-efficient LED lights were also added, and concrete railings were installed to replace the bridge’s aging steel railings.
With only four spans compared to nine in the original structure, the new ramp has fewer bridge joints and will require significantly less maintenance in the future. Rebuilding with fewer spans, including the removal of a bridge pier that extended into the Bronx River, also created more open space for the green area under the bridge and improved the river’s environmental quality.
“For years, traffic congestion on the Cross Bronx Expressway has affected so many commuters,” Assemblyman Kenneth Burgos said. “It was clear that this issue needed to be addressed. This new entrance ramp connecting northbound Sheridan Boulevard to southbound Cross Bronx will help ease traffic and make life easier for our commuters. I applaud Governor Hochul and his team for your hard work in completing this project. I’m excited to see the positive effects it will have on the Bronx.”
This project is also repairing four nearby bridge structures. Three bridges are located along the Cross Bronx Expressway (I-95) between West Farms Road and the Bronx River Parkway. The fourth bridge is an off-ramp from eastbound Cross Bronx Expressway to southbound Sheridan Boulevard. Work on these bridges includes restoring or replacing bearings, replacing the seal of deck joints, and repairs to the concrete deck and substructure.
In addition, the project will replant native trees and greenery to enhance the natural landscape along the pedestrian and bicycle path from East 177th Street to Starlight Park.
“I appreciate the news of the completion of the Cross Bronx Expressway entrance ramp from Sheridan Boulevard,” said State Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda. “The multi-million dollar investment in this project aims to improve the mobility, safety and general well-being of area residents. The construction also took into account the safety and facilitation of transit for those using the busy road. Investments in infrastructure, especially those that generate greater productivity in people’s daily processes, such as transport routes, are investments that improve people’s quality of life. I applaud Governor Kathy Hochul for recognizing the importance of this project and bringing it to completion.”
