NYC Completes $12M Safety-Focused Revamp of Bronx Public Square
Key Highlights
- New York City completed a $12 million rehabilitation of Monsignor Raul Del Valle Square in the Bronx, finishing 20% under budget and on schedule.
- The project targets pedestrian-vehicle conflict at a historically dangerous intersection through roadway realignment, traffic calming and ADA upgrades.
- Improvements enhance access to buses; the Hunts Point Avenue subway station and the city’s bicycle network.
New York City has completed a major revamp of a Bronx public square, adding pedestrian and vehicular safety upgrades to a high-risk intersection.
The $12 million rehabilitation of Monsignor Raul Del Valle Square in the Hunts Point neighborhood introduced traffic-calming measures and pedestrian improvements designed to reduce conflicts at surrounding roadways. The project was completed on schedule and 20% under budget, according to a press release from the New York City Department of Design and Construction (NYC DDC).
NYC DDC managed the project on behalf of the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) and New York City Parks Department. The square is bordered by Bruckner Boulevard, East 163rd Street and Hunts Point Avenue.
A safety study found that two of the three intersections surrounding the square had high rates of pedestrian-vehicle conflict. Identified issues included long crossing distances, a high volume of illegal left turns and U-turns and inadequate signage, the release states.
Traffic Calming and Transit Improvements
To improve safety and traffic flow, the project realigned the roadway along East 163rd Street and added a new traffic lane on Hunts Point Avenue. Additional roadway upgrades and a new bus shelter were installed to support smoother bus transfers, rider pickups and loading, according to NYC DDC.
The project also facilitates access to the Hunts Point Avenue subway station and strengthens connections to the city’s bike lane network, expanding multimodal travel options in the area.
Beyond roadway changes, the rehabilitation includes street and traffic lighting upgrades, new NYCDOT wayfinding signage, 30 ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps, 35,000 square feet of sidewalk and 3,500 feet of curb. Crews also installed 1.2 acres of asphalt, according to the news release.
The project adds new amenities and beautification elements to the Monsignor Raul Del Valle Square.
Sources: NYC DDC