For decades, the Grand Concourse has been one of the Bronx’s most dangerous corridors for pedestrians and cyclists
The Bronx’s Grand Concourse is getting another major facelift. City officials have kicked off Phase 5 of the reconstruction project, a $44 million investment to rebuild the busy stretch between East Fordham Road and East 198th Street. The overhaul will bring safer streets, improved pedestrian access, and a greener, more resilient corridor for residents.
This project is part of a larger effort that has been reshaping the Grand Concourse in stages for more than a decade. The latest phase will completely rebuild the roadway and sidewalks, expand medians, and introduce new traffic-calming features. Dedicated bike lanes, raised crosswalks, pedestrian islands, and a bus lane are all planned to make the corridor safer and easier to navigate.
Earlier phases have already delivered big improvements. Phase 3 wrapped up in 2020. Phase 4 was completed on time and on budget in 2023 for $62.5 million. With each stage, the focus is on reducing pedestrian and bicycle accidents. This initiative strives to create a more welcoming space for all who travel the Concourse.
Which city agencies are working together on the project?
Three city departments are working together to bring this ambitious project to life. The Department of Design and Construction (DDC) is managing the work, while the Department of Transportation (DOT) is guiding the design with an emphasis on safety and mobility. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is handling important underground upgrades, including new sewers, water mains, and drainage systems.
Their coordinated approach ensures the streetscape improvements go hand in hand with infrastructure updates below the surface. The end result will be stronger utilities, safer roadways, and a better quality of life for the community.
What dangers do pedestrians and bicyclists currently face in the Bronx?
Bronx pedestrians and bicyclists face some of the highest risks in New York City. This is due to a combination of roadway design, traffic volume, and driver behavior. The Grand Concourse, where Phase 5 construction is happening, has historically been one of the borough’s most dangerous corridors. Here are the key dangers they currently face:
- Heavy traffic and speeding: The Grand Concourse is a major arterial roadway, often carrying tens of thousands of vehicles every day. Wide lanes and long stretches without sufficient traffic-calming features make it easier for drivers to speed, which increases the severity of crashes.
- Limited safe crossings: Many intersections lack raised crosswalks or extended pedestrian islands, which forces people to cross multiple lanes of traffic with little protection.
- Insufficient bike infrastructure: Large portions of the Bronx still lack protected bike lanes. Cyclists are often left to share space with buses, delivery trucks, and fast-moving cars, which puts them in constant danger of being sideswiped or struck.
- Poor lighting and visibility: Some stretches of roadway have inadequate lighting at night, which makes it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians and cyclists until it’s too late. This is particularly dangerous during the winter months when darkness falls earlier.
- Aging infrastructure: Uneven sidewalks, potholes, and drainage problems contribute to trip-and-fall hazards for pedestrians and increase crash risks for cyclists who may be forced to swerve suddenly to avoid obstacles.
- Higher rates of crashes and fatalities: The Bronx has a disproportionate share of serious traffic injuries compared to other boroughs. The Grand Concourse in particular has long been identified as a priority for safety upgrades under the city’s Vision Zero program because of its history of pedestrian and cyclist fatalities.
How will the corridor become safer?
Phase 5 is about more than just smoother pavement. Over 10 acres of new asphalt will be laid, but the work also includes major enhancements to make the Concourse safer and more livable:
- Traffic calming features, such as slip lanes with stop signs and curb extensions, help slow vehicles.
- Enhanced pedestrian safety through the installation of raised crosswalks, wider sidewalks, and improved street lighting.
- Cycling and transit improvements, including raised bike lanes and a dedicated bus lane.
These changes will help reduce crashes and make the Concourse a more pleasant place to walk, bike, and ride. City officials praised the project not only for its engineering but also for what it means to Bronx residents. The reconstruction will bring safer streets and upgraded infrastructure, as well as the lifesaving potential of new bicycle lanes, pedestrian islands, and raised crosswalks.
How does this project fit into New York City’s bigger picture?
The Grand Concourse project is one of several New York City initiatives recognized with Envision Awards, alongside the Broad Channel resiliency project in Queens and the East Side Coastal Resiliency project in Manhattan. Together, these efforts reflect a broader citywide commitment to building infrastructure that is not just functional but also sustainable and community-focused. Once complete, the corridor will stand as a safer, greener, and more inviting centerpiece for the borough.
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