New York City Expressways

Cross-Bronx Expressway

Cross-Bronx Expressway History

Navigating life’s intricate fabric, choices unfold paths to the extraordinary, demanding creativity, curiosity, and courage for a truly fulfilling journey.

Plan for the West Bronx section of the Cross Bronx Expwy. which would have connected to the Washington Bridge. The plan was instead modified and the expressway went south to the Alexander Hamilton Bridge. The clover leaf intersection, too, was built at Jerome Ave.
Plan of the Cross-Bronx Expressway that would have connected to the Washington Bridge. Image Source: Lehman College Library, CUNY, Bronx Business for Everybody, 1945.

Timeline

  • 1929: Regional Plan Association (RPA) proposes the Metropolitan Loop Highway.

  • 1945: Robert Moses proposes a six-lane Cross Bronx Expressway.

  • 1946: The Cross-Bronx Citizens’ Protective Association is formed to oppose the highway and accompanying displacement of thousands of families.

  • 1954: Bronx residents lose fight when the Estimate Board affirms the route by voting to buy mid-section land.

  • 1955-1961: Construction of the Cross Bronx Expressway.

  • 2022: The Reimagine the Cross Bronx Study is announced by Mayor Eric Adams.

  • 2025: The final vision of Reimagine the Cross Bronx Expressway is released.

Moses’ remarks at the Bronx Board of Trade Dinner

Bronx Objectives: Remarks of Robert Moses at Dinner of Bronx Board of Trade. Thursday, March 13, 1947. (Page 1 of 5)

Event 1

16 Jan 2025 — 0800

Navigating life’s intricate fabric, choices unfold paths to the extraordinary, demanding creativity and curiosity.

Bronx Objectives: Remarks of Robert Moses at Dinner of Bronx Board of Trade. Thursday, March 13, 1947. (Page 2 of 5)

Event 2

19 Jan 2025 — 0800

Navigating life’s intricate fabric, choices unfold paths to the extraordinary, demanding creativity and curiosity.

Bronx Objectives: Remarks of Robert Moses at Dinner of Bronx Board of Trade. Thursday, March 13, 1947. (Page 2 of 5)

Event 3

22 Jan 2025 — 0800

Navigating life’s intricate fabric, choices unfold paths to the extraordinary, demanding creativity and curiosity.

Bronx Objectives: Remarks of Robert Moses at Dinner of Bronx Board of Trade. Thursday, March 13, 1947. (Page 3 of 5)

Event 4

24 Jan 2025 — 0800

Navigating life’s intricate fabric, choices unfold paths to the extraordinary, demanding creativity and curiosity.

Media Coverage

The New York Times article,"Protest Cross-Bronx Road". Published March 1, 1946
Two hundred residents and businessmen protest the construction of the Cross-Bronx Expressway. Source: The New York Times, “Protest Cross-Bronx Road,” March 1946.

Plan One

$100/month

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Mayor O'Dwyer assured the Bronx resident spokesmen housing for 540 families would be found. Source: The New York Times, "540 Bronx Families To Get New Homes," April 1946.
Mayor O’Dwyer assured the Bronx resident spokesmen housing for 540 families would be found.
Source: The New York Times, “540 Bronx Families To Get New Homes,” April 1946.

Plan Two

$200/month

Unlimited access to a growing library of classes, workshops, and exclusive content

The New York Times article, "Bronx Residents Lose Road Fight". Published December 3, 1954. Drawing of Cross-Bronx Expressway path included in article.
After five years of opposition, the Board of Estimate voted to acquire land for Cross-Bronx Expressway. Source: The New York Times, “Bronx Residents Lose Road Fight,” December 1954.

Plan Two

$200/month

Unlimited access to a growing library of classes, workshops, and exclusive content

LOMEX Media coverage

Construction

Welcome to a world of limitless possibilities, where the journey is as exhilarating as the destination, and where every moment is an opportunity to make your mark on the canvas of existence.

Cross Bronx Expwy., under construction at 176th St. & Southern Blvd., looking west toward the temporary Prospect Ave. bridge. Note heavy equipment in use and tenant clothes lines strung from apartment windows in the buildings along the construction site below.
Cross Bronx Expressway Under Construction (1 of 2). Image Source: Lehman College Library, CUNY, Bronx Business for Everybody, 1957.
Cross Bronx Expwy., under construction at 176th St. & Southern Blvd., looking west toward the Prospect Ave. temporary bridge. Note the flag flying over P.S. 44 school building at the far left.
Cross Bronx Expressway Under Construction (2 of 2). Image Source: Lehman College Library, CUNY, Bronx Business for Everybody, 1957.

Present day

Welcome to a world of limitless possibilities, where the journey is as exhilarating as the destination, and where every moment is an opportunity to make your mark on the canvas of existence. The only limit is the extent of your imagination.

Welcome to a world of limitless possibilities, where the journey is as exhilarating as the destination, and where every moment is an opportunity to make your mark on the canvas of existence. The only limit is the extent of your imagination.

Mayor Adams Kickoff landmark study to reimagine cross-bronx expressway December 2024
Research and data analysis collection throughout 2023 from people who live, work, and travel around the Cross Bronx regarding community health conditions. Source: Reimagine the Cross Bronx: Identified Issues, June 2024.
Research and data analysis collection throughout 2023 from people who live, work, and travel around the Cross Bronx regarding community health conditions.
Source: Reimagine the Cross Bronx: Identified Issues, June 2024.
Air and noise pollution report 1967-1968