The Department of Design and Construction (DDC) has given the green light for a significant $45 million contract aimed at reconstructing a perilous stretch of intersections in The Bronx, as reported in the City Record on Tuesday.
This ambitious reconstruction project, which was initially proposed 17 years ago, targets the hazardous area of West Farms known for its dangers to both pedestrians and drivers alike.
The existing corridor has become notorious for its heavy congestion and serves a crucial role in accommodating four bus stops, a bus depot, a post office, and multiple schools, while also providing access to Sheridan Boulevard and the Cross Bronx Expressway.
City data records reveal that there have been at least 246 car crashes at the intersection of East 177th Street, Devoe Avenue, and East Tremont Avenue since August 2011, resulting in 358 injuries and two fatalities.
Notably, the data also indicated that there were four deaths reported two years ago.
Furthermore, since March 2023, there has been a troubling increase with 49 additional crashes and 81 injuries reported.
The upcoming improvements are expected to significantly enhance safety in the area. The plans include measures like shortening pedestrian crossings, adding sidewalks and curbs, resurfacing roadways, and connecting Starlight Park to Bronx River Park through the Bronx River Greenway.
This greenway will serve as a continuous pathway for both pedestrians and cyclists throughout the borough.
Moreover, the project seeks to upgrade street lighting, traffic signals, and the local water and sewage systems while also adding trees to enhance the environment.
The reconstruction is being led by Staten Island-based DiFazio Industries, a firm recognized for its completed work on seven miles of new sewer systems and water mains in Queens Village earlier in 2023.
DDC spokesperson Ian Michaels expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating that construction is anticipated to commence later this year.
“We are excited to make progress on this key corridor, which will make incredible pedestrian and vehicular safety improvements,” he said in a written statement.
Michaels elaborated on the complexities of the project, noting that it incorporates various critical aspects including traffic studies, tidal wetland protection, structural integrity tests of a local bridge, coordination with MTA overhead rail lines, and enhancements to local water distribution and stormwater drainage systems.
He also pointed out that street lighting and traffic signal timing studies are integral components of the overall design.
According to DDC, the project is expected to span approximately three years before completion, pending the final contractor approval by the city comptroller.
Despite the approval of the contract, questions regarding the status of the construction persist.
As previously reported, the DDC and the New York City Department of Transportation first unveiled plans to redesign the intersection back in 2008, when there were different mayoral administrations in power.
Stakeholders have faced challenges in aligning efforts, as the endeavor necessitates coordination with at least five different city and state agencies.
These include cooperation with a city-run playground, the city’s Department of Environmental Protection overseeing sewer mains, and the state Department of Transportation managing the Sheridan Expressway.
During a visit to the intersection in March 2023, dangerous driving behaviors were observed, including multiple instances of drivers running red lights and speeding past buses and double-parked cars.
Additionally, a bus driver warned pedestrians to exercise caution near a nearby traffic light after an incident where an ambulance crashed into it just two weeks prior.
Community Board 6’s district manager, Rafael Moure-Punnett, acknowledged the importance of the project but expressed skepticism about its progress.
“After 17 years of delays, the construction on the Tremont / Devoe / 177 St capital project is still yet to be initiated,” he stated.
He indicated that communication from DDC had been inadequate.
“Community Board 6 is unclear on the status of the project, with little proactive communication from DDC since late 2023,” Moure-Punnett added.
He highlighted that concerns raised by the community regarding the scope and timeline of the project remain unanswered by DDC.
image source from：thecity
