Governor Hochul Announces Completion of New Entrance Ramp to Cross Bronx Expressway from Sheridan Boulevard

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of a new entrance ramp to the southbound Cross Bronx Expressway from northbound Sheridan Boulevard. The new ramp, which can handle more than 8,000 vehicles a day, will enhance safety and improve traffic flow at this heavily traveled interchange that is vital for the flow of people and commerce in and out of the South Bronx. The ramp's completion marks a major milestone in an ongoing, $45 million project by the State Department of Transportation that will also rehabilitate four bridges along the Cross Bronx Expressway, which is also known as Interstate 95.

"We are taking another major step forward in the transformation of the South Bronx, reducing congestion and improving the quality of life of those who live and work in the community," Governor Hochul said. "This new entrance ramp demonstrates my administration's ongoing commitment to improving our transportation infrastructure, growing our economy and building a better 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 a service life of approximately 75 years and features wider shoulders and a reduced curvature to make it easier for motorists - especially truck drivers - to navigate the roadway at reasonable speeds. New, energy-efficient LED lights were also added and protective concrete barriers were installed to replace the former steel bridge railings.

With only four spans compared to the original structure's nine, the new ramp has fewer bridge joints and will require significantly less maintenance going forward. Rebuilding with fewer spans, including the elimination of one bridge pier that extended into the Bronx River, has also created more open space for the vegetated area below the bridge and improved the environmental quality of the river.

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 eastbound Cross Bronx Expressway exit ramp to southbound Sheridan Boulevard. Work on these bridges includes bearing restoration or replacement, deck joint seal replacement and concrete deck and substructure repairs. Additionally, the project will replant native trees and vegetation to enhance the natural landscape along the pedestrian and bicycle pathway leading from East 177th Street to Starlight Park.

Construction of the new ramp and the rehabilitation of the four bridges along the Cross Bronx Expressway corridor are part of New York State's historic commitment to enhance infrastructure and connectivity in the South Bronx, which includes the transformative, $1.7 billion Hunts Point Access Improvement Project.

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "Under Governor Hochul's leadership, New York State is modernizing its infrastructure to meet our mobility and resiliency demands, and the best evidence of that is in the South Bronx, where a historic transformation is underway. This new entrance ramp will provide a smoother ride and reduced congestion at a key interchange, making it that much easier for people and goods to travel through the community and enhancing quality of life for the people that call the South Bronx home."

State Senator Luis R. Sepulveda said, "I welcome the news of the completion of the Cross Bronx Expressway entrance ramp from Sheridan Boulevard. The multimillion-dollar investment in this project seeks to improve the mobility, safety and general welfare of the residents of the area. The construction has also taken into account safety and making traffic flow easier for those who use the busy route. Investments in infrastructure, especially those that generate greater productivity in people's daily processes, such as transportation routes, are investments that improve people's quality of life. I commend Governor Kathy Hochul for recognizing the importance of this project and seeing it through to completion."

Assemblymember Kenneth Burgos said, "For years, traffic congestion on the Cross Bronx Expressway has taken a toll on so many commuters. It was clear this issue needed to be addressed. This new entrance ramp connecting the northbound Sheridan Boulevard to the southbound Cross Bronx will help alleviate traffic and make our commuters' lives easier. I commend Governor Hochul and her team for their great work in completing this project. I'm excited to see the positive effects it will have on the Bronx."