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The New York State Department of Transportation announced that construction has begun on the project in both directions of the expressway between West 161st Street and the Alexander Hamilton Bridge.
According to the NYSDOT, the project “which includes the addition of a northbound auxiliary lane and the replacement of the northbound and southbound viaducts with new roadways built on earth fill,” will improve traffic flow and enhance safety along this major artery in the Bronx, ensuring continued movement of people and commerce in the area.
As part of the project, the Depot Place Bridge, which spans the expressway, will also be rehabilitated. The project also calls for the reconstruction of pavement on local roadways.
NYSDOT Commissioner Therese Dominguez said, “this project will improve driving conditions and relieve a traffic bottleneck on this vital artery, resulting in less congestion, improved quality of life and continued economic growth for the region.”
The new northbound auxiliary lane between West 161st Street and Depot Place is expected to reduce backups that have occurred as motorists enter and exit the highway. NYSDOT said that it will also ease congestion in the left and middle lanes – expediting traffic headed to Westchester and other northern locales.
Motorists entering the expressway from Sedgwick Avenue will also have a longer distance to merge into traffic. Drivers looking to access the Cross Bronx Expressway from Sedgwick Avenue will also be able to do so through the new auxiliary lane, eliminating the need to merge on to the Major Deegan Expressway and easing congestion onto area streets.
A new traffic signal will be installed at the intersection of West 167st Street and Sedgwick Avenue, which will be synchronized with the existing traffic signal on Undercliff Avenue.
“The Major Deegan is an essential road for the thousands of commuters who use it daily and for commerce and life in the Bronx,” Sen. Jose Serrano stated. “As the borough continues to attract residents and visitors, we must ensure that our infrastructure keeps pace with our growth. This project will improve the flow of traffic on the Expressway, while enhancing safety for motorists.”
Assemblywoman Layota Joyner added, "these improvements to the Major Deegan Expressway will significantly reduce traffic congestion, enhance air quality and make it safer for many of my constituents who drive or walk in the area The Major Deegan is an important part of the transportation network serving my community and I appreciate state DOT’s commitment to making it a roadway that better serves local residents and is safer for all those using it.”
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