Work has been completed on the $1.7 billion Hunts Point Access Improvement Project in the South Bronx, according to an announcement by Governor Kathy Hochul. The project, managed by the New York State Department of Transportation over six years, aimed to improve access to the Hunts Point Market and redirect heavy commercial vehicles away from residential streets. This effort was designed to reduce congestion, enhance safety, and lower vehicle emissions in the area.
“For far too long, residents of the South Bronx have contended with heavy truck traffic in their neighborhoods and all the problems that resulted, including high asthma rates and poor health outcomes,” Governor Hochul said. “Thanks to this project we have taken thousands of trucks headed to the Hunts Point Market off local streets every day and added further fuel to the growing resurgence of the South Bronx with less congested streets, cleaner air and exiting new recreational opportunities along the Bronx River waterfront.”
The Hunts Point Market is a major food distribution center for New York City, supplying more than 60 percent of its meat, fish, and produce. It generates over $2 billion annually for the Bronx economy. The completed project now provides direct access from both Bruckner Expressway and Sheridan Boulevard into Hunts Point, removing many commercial vehicles from local roads.
The project unfolded in three phases:
– Phase one finished in October 2022 with new ramps constructed at Edgewater Road and improvements made to bridges and pedestrian crossings.
– The second phase ended in summer 2023 after reconstructing parts of Bruckner Expressway and Boulevard as well as adding a shared-use path connecting several borough locations.
– The third phase began in late 2022 focusing on redesigning interchanges at Bruckner Expressway and Sheridan Boulevard for better traffic flow while installing new bikeways and sidewalks.
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez stated: “Governor Kathy Hochul is making historic transportation infrastructure investments in the South Bronx that are moving people and goods more efficiently, enhancing public safety, improving health outcomes and quality of life… Working with the community, DOT under Governor Kathy Hochul is investing in infrastructure solutions that make a positive and meaningful difference in the lives of Bronxites.”
Other improvements include a new parking lot with electric vehicle charging stations under Bruckner Expressway. This development aims not only at modernizing transport but also at supporting environmental goals through improved air quality.
State Senator Luis Sepúlveda commented: “The completion of the Hunts Point Access Improvement Project marks a historic moment for the South Bronx. This $1.7 billion investment not only modernizes our infrastructure but also gives back to our communities what was long denied to them: cleaner air, safer streets, and fair access to the green spaces we deserve…”
Assemblymember Emérita Torres said: “The completion of the Hunts Point Access Improvement Project’s third and final phase marks an important moment for the South Bronx… Notably, this investment reconnects communities, creates new pathways to our Bronx River Waterfront, and offers recreational spaces that will improve our quality of life for generations…”
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson added: “The Hunts Point Access Improvement Project marks a new chapter for the South Bronx… Through her leadership [Governor Hochul] we are making sure our residents have access to safe streets, open spaces, and a healthier future.”
New York City Council Member Rafael Salamanca remarked: “The completion of the $1.7 billion Hunts Point Access Improvement Project is a monumental victory for the South Bronx… Redirecting thousands of trucks off our local roads…will pay dividends for generations…”
Fulton Fish Market Cooperative CEO Nicole Ackerina said: “It’s wonderful to see Governor Hochul…deliver on investments in critical infrastructure…We look forward to continuing…to support logistical efficiencies…and reduction of emissions…”
According to state officials involved with previous projects like converting Sheridan Expressway into Sheridan Boulevard (completed in 2019), these efforts restored neighborhood connections previously blocked by highways.
As this project concludes, NYSDOT continues planning further upgrades such as replacing or rehabilitating five bridges on Cross Bronx Expressway—a key corridor used by about 150,000 vehicles daily—to maintain public safety.
