New York state recently completed the $121 million Major Deegan Expressway (I-87) project in both directions between West 161st Street and the Alexander Hamilton Bridge in the Bronx.
“This is a major milestone in our continued efforts to rehabilitate the Major Deegan Expressway and surrounding transportation infrastructure in the region,” said Marie Therese Dominguez, New York State Department of Transportation commissioner. “New Yorkers traveling on this important transportation corridor will notice the advantages and benefits immediately on both the state and local transportation networks.”
The project will improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and encourage economic growth in the Bronx. Workers added a northbound auxiliary lane between West 161st Street and Depot Place, an entrance ramp just north of the intersection of Sedgwick and Undercliff Avenues, a new traffic signal at the intersection of West 167th Street and Sedgwick Avenue, Americans with Disabilities Act compliant crosswalks and sidewalks, LED lighting, a modern traffic management system, and new signage.
“The Major Deegan Expressway is a crucial route for commuters and commercial vehicles heading to and from New York City,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “The modernization of this important segment of infrastructure will enhance the traveling experience for all motorists, improve traffic flow, and encourage commerce via this key interstate artery.”
Work also included replacing of an existing 48-inch water main and replacing a 2,400-feet-long southbound steel viaduct with new roadways built on earth fill.
Over the next several weeks finishing work will be completed on the bridge carrying Depot Place over the Major Deegan Expressway and the ramp to I-95.