A coalition of advocates is urging New York Governor Kathy Hochul and the state Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) to halt a planned expansion of the Cross Bronx Expressway. The call to action came Monday, March 9, 2026, ahead of a Tuesday deadline for submitting a final environmental determination to the federal government.
Concerns Over Expansion
The $900 million “Five Bridges Project” aims to rehabilitate overpasses between Rosedale Avenue and Boston Road. However, the plan also proposes widening each shoulder of the highway by 25 feet – a combined 50-foot increase – ostensibly to meet safety standards. Advocates argue that this expansion will worsen congestion and exacerbate existing pollution issues in the South Bronx.
Renee Reynolds, executive director of Tri-State Transportation Campaign, stated, “We are calling on Governor Hochul and New York state to halt any expansion and prioritize the health of Bronx communities, before it’s too late.” Reynolds also challenged the NYSDOT’s claim that widening the shoulders will improve safety, asserting that “widening a highway doesn’t inherently enhance safety by any means,” and can actually “induce more vehicular congestion.”
Community Engagement Questioned
Siddhartha Sánchez, executive director of the Bronx River Alliance, expressed frustration that the NYSDOT has not adequately addressed alternative plans presented by community groups for rehabilitating the road without expanding it. He also stated that the agency has not extended the public engagement period for its draft environmental assessment.
Even as NYSDOT spokesperson Rolando Infante told the Bronx Times that the agency “has engaged with the community at every step of the way,” advocates remain skeptical. The state previously scaled back an initial plan to add a mile-long expansion to the highway.
Potential Legal Action
Damon Gilbert, an attorney with New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, indicated that legal action against the state is being considered once the final plan is released. Advocates will have four months from the release of the final environmental assessment to appeal the decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Five Bridges Project?
The Five Bridges Project is a $900 million plan to rehabilitate several overpasses on the Cross Bronx Expressway between Rosedale Avenue and Boston Road.
What are advocates concerned about?
Advocates are concerned that the project’s proposed widening of the highway will worsen congestion and exacerbate pollution in the South Bronx.
What could happen next?
Advocates are weighing legal options and will assess the final environmental assessment once it is released by NYSDOT. A decision on whether to pursue legal action will be made based on the final plan and the extent to which community concerns were addressed.
Given the strong opposition and potential for legal challenges, what role should community input play in shaping future infrastructure projects in the Bronx?
