Frequently Asked Questions

How can I join the mailing list to receive project updates?

Anyone can sign up for the mailing list by emailing the project team at [email protected].

Project History

How did this project come to be?

The five bridges within the project limits are more than 70 years old and were initially slated for rehabilitation. However, after a reassessment of the bridges, it was determined that additional work is needed to address the long-term safety of the structures.

Additional opportunities to enhance safety and mobility were identified within the project limits. These include improving the vehicular connections between the southbound Bronx River Parkway and the westbound CBE, enhancing safety along the CBE and providing improved access to public transportation, as well as providing new pedestrian and bicycle connections on both sides of the Bronx River.

Initially, various construction options were being considered that either utilized staged construction methods or constructed a traffic diversion structure. However, during the development of the project, and in response to public feedback, the potential construction of a traffic diversion structure has been dismissed from the project. 

Environmental Review Process

How will public comments on the project be considered?

Comments may be submitted to the project team via e-mail and  U.S. mail. While the Department will accept and take into consideration all comments it receives related to the project, a formal comment period follows the release of the Draft Design Report/Environmental Assessment to the public. Public hearings are held during the formal comment period to provide the public with an opportunity to submit written and/or oral comments.

All comments are important, and NYSDOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will take into consideration all comments received throughout the environmental review process, which will inform the final decision on the project. Substantive comments received during the formal comment period will be responded to in the Final Design Report/Environmental Assessment.

The NYSDOT remains committed to providing meaningful opportunities for public engagement in the development of the project. 

What decisions will come out of the environmental review process?

FHWA and NYSDOT will conclude whether or not the project will result in significant environmental impacts or if an Environmental Impact Statement is required. If it is determined that the project will not result in significant impacts and FHWA and NYSDOT approve the project design, then the project may proceed to the final design and construction phase.

What is NEPA?

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is a national policy that provides the framework for a decision-making process that considers the effects of federally funded or permitted projects on the built and natural environment. Under NEPA, the lead agencies consider public input about the potential effects of a project on social, economic and environmental conditions. For this project, the FHWA and NYSDOT are the joint lead agencies.

What is an Environmental Assessment (EA)?

An Environmental Assessment (EA) is a public document prepared by a federal and/or state agency to evaluate the potential environmental effects of a project. It includes the necessary information and analysis to determine whether the project would result in significant environmental effects. The EA is used to determine if an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is needed, or if the proposed project will have no significant environmental effects.

What type of analysis is being performed as part of the Environmental Assessment (EA)?

NYSDOT is evaluating the project’s potential effects on social, economic and environmental topics, such as traffic, land use, social effects, wetlands, surface waters and rivers, floodplains, coastal zones, stormwater management, ecology and wildlife resources, parks and recreational uses, historic and cultural resources, air quality, and noise. NYSDOT is assessing both operational and construction effects.

What is the difference between an Environmental Assessment and an Environmental Impact Statement?

Per federal regulation, an EA is prepared when a project is not likely to have significant effects or when the significance of the effects is unknown. It concludes with either a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) or the determination that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is required. An EIS is prepared when a project is determined to likely have significant impacts and concludes with a Record of Decision (ROD).

Schedule, Cost and Funding

When would the Project begin and how long would construction take?

Once the environmental review is complete and a project alternative is selected, construction is expected to start in 2026 and last for approximately 6 years (completion in 2032). The anticipated start of construction may change based on the environmental determination.

Where would the funding come from?

A combination of state and federal transportation funding sources have been identified.

Right-of-Way Acquisition

Would homes or businesses be acquired for construction?

No homes would be acquired.  All of the project alternatives would require partial acquisition of the 1465 Realty, LLC (concrete plant) property.  This business would maintain its operations. 

Air Quality

How is the air quality being analyzed?

Safe air quality levels within the project area are of paramount importance to NYSDOT. The Environmental Assessment includes an air quality analysis to evaluate the potential effects of traffic pattern changes on air quality. This analysis is conducted using state-of-the-art models developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and in accordance with federal and state procedures. The air quality analysis methodology and results are documented in the Draft Design Report/Environmental Assessment.

Environmental Justice and Disadvantaged Communities

What are you doing about environmental justice and effects to disadvantaged communities?

The communities adjacent to the Cross Bronx Expressway largely consist of low income and/or minority populations and disadvantaged communities.  The Environmental Assessment includes an evaluation of effects of the project on these communities.  This assessment considers existing conditions and burdens; evaluates the potential for the project to affect these communities; and identifies opportunities for the project to provide benefits. NYSDOT is committed to providing meaningful opportunities for low income, minority, and disadvantaged communities to participate in the transportation decision-making process for the project, as documented in the project’s Environmental Justice Public Engagement Plan (PEP). The PEP is available on the project website on the Reports and Documents page.  

Ongoing public engagement activities conducted by NYSDOT for this project have included public meetings, stakeholder meetings to receive input from community groups and organizations, community walk-throughs of the project site, and project team attendance at local community events and community board meetings. Public engagement will continue throughout the environmental review process and over the duration of the project.
 

Reimagining the Cross Bronx Expressway

Is this project related in any way to the efforts to Reimagine the Cross Bronx Expressway?

The safety of the traveling public is the highest priority for NYSDOT and these bridges require replacement and rehabilitation to ensure the public's safety. While this project is separate from the study to Reimagine the Cross Bronx Expressway, the bridge work that will be performed does not prevent any future projects that may arise as a result of the study and is foundational to any visioning projects that could progress in this area. NYSDOT looks forward to working directly with residents and stakeholders to ensure the Cross Bronx Expressway serves the needs of the local community.