An upgraded high-visibility crosswalk is one of many infrastructure and safety upgrades made to Pelham Parkway as Phase Two of the project finishes. Image Credit: DDC.
On December 27, 2023, the Department of Design and Construction, Department of Transportation and the Department of Environmental Protection announced the completion of the second and final phase of reconstruction along Pelham Parkway in the Bronx. The project was managed by Design and Construction for Transportation and Environmental Protection.
The project included 1.7 miles of new dedicated bus lanes for the Bx12 and Bx12-Select Bus Service, which serve 49,000 rides daily. The project also created safety improvements, upgraded infrastructure and upgraded bus stops. The upgraded bus stops received new seating and warning strips along the curb line for safety. Over 8,000 feet of new storm sewers were added and over 2,000 feet of combined sewers were reconstructed. Over 25,000 feet of distribution water mains were replaced, and 19 specialized water and sewer chambers were installed underground. To improve drainage, 191 new catch basins were installed.
Other improvements included 240 upgraded streetlights and 70 traffic signals. New curbs and sidewalks were installed along with 141 ADA-compliant corner pedestrian ramps. Over 14,400 feet of new timber guard rails were also installed. In addition, 254 new trees were planted.
The project started in August 2017 and cost $129 million. Phase One of the project ended in 2013 and consisted of renovations to the main road from Bronx River Parkway to Hutchinson River Parkway and Pelham Parkway South to Boston Road.
DDC Commissioner Thomas Foley stated, “With the completion of Phase 2, DDC has now rebuilt 1.8 miles of Pelham Parkway from Boston Road to Stillwell Avenue with better streets, more safety features, more trees and better curbs and crosswalks. But the majority of the work is underground, where DEP funded sewer upgrades and also water system improvements that help connect the area to the City’s new Third Water Tunnel. I’d like to thank the Bronx community for being patient during construction and I hope they enjoy the major improvements that were made to this large, busy parkway.”
State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey stated, “The successful completion of the Pelham Parkway reconstruction represents a critical investment in the safety, accessibility, and well-being of our community – providing a much-needed overhaul of our infrastructure while preserving the greenery that contributes to parkway’s unique character. This multifaceted project will address long-standing street flooding issues and enhance safety for drivers and community members alike with improvements that will ensure a more resilient and sustainable future for our community, including upgraded underground utilities, new storm sewers, and dedicated bus lanes. The reconstruction will add to the green landscape of the Bronx and benefit the surrounding community with cleaner air, better street drainage, water absorption, and flood protection.”
By: Veronica Rose (Veronica is the Editor of CityLand and a New York Law School graduate, Class of 2018.)