After being proposed 17 years ago, a long-awaited reconstruction project in the Bronx is finally getting the green light. A $45 million contract to repair a particularly dangerous route in West Farms was awarded by the New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC), according to a notice published in the City Record on Tuesday.
The project will take place at the intersection of East 177th Street, Devoe Avenue, and East Tremont Avenue, a busy area known for its accidents and traffic. The property has a post office, four bus stations, a bus depot, numerous schools, and an essential connection to Sheridan Boulevard and the Cross Bronx Expressway.
At least 246 vehicle collisions have occurred at the intersection and in the area since August 2011, according to data from NYC Crash Mapper. These collisions have left 358 people injured and two people dead. There have been 81 injuries and 49 collisions since March 2023.
Keep in mind, the crash data has fluctuated over time, with city records previously showing four deaths. This highlights the difficulties in tracking long-term safety data.
Improved stormwater drainage, resurfaced roads, shorter pedestrian crossings, resurfaced sidewalks and curbs, new street lighting and signals, and improvements to the water main system are all part of the renovation. Additionally, it seeks to expand the Bronx River Greenway by creating a continuous bike and pedestrian path between Starlight Park and Bronx River Park.
The project will be led by DiFazio Industries, a Staten Island-based company that recently finished significant infrastructure work in Queens Village. It is anticipated that construction would start later this year and be finished in around three years.
“This is an incredibly complex project,” said DDC spokesperson Ian Michaels, citing coordination with multiple agencies and environmental testing. “We are excited to make progress on this key corridor, which will make incredible pedestrian and vehicular safety improvements.”
Even with the project finally getting the green light, local leaders remain cautious. Rafael Moure-Punnett, district manager for Bronx Community Board 6, said communication with DDC has been sparse.
“After 17 years of delays, the construction on the Tremont / Devoe / 177 St capital project is still yet to be initiated,” he told THE CITY in a written statement. “Questions raised by Community Board 6 about the scope and timeline of the project were never answered by DDC.”