Construction has commenced on a $517.5m project to replace two bridges along the Bronx River Parkway in the Bronx, New York, US. 

The project has received more than $200m in funding from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. 

New York's governor Kathy Hochul said: “Modernising our infrastructure to meet the demands of the 21st century means creating a transportation network that strengthens the connections between communities and provides opportunity for all users, including pedestrians and cyclists. 

“With the great support of the Biden-Harris Administration and the New York Congressional Delegation, these much-needed enhancements will help ensure that this vital commuter route is ready for the severe weather caused by climate change and will make it easier for pedestrians and cyclists to see and explore all that the Bronx has to offer.” 

It involves replacing the bridges carrying the Bronx River Parkway over East Tremont Avenue and East 180th Street, Morris Park Avenue, and an adjacent New York City Transit yard. 

These will be replaced with modern structures designed to reduce maintenance costs and withstand the impacts of climate change.  

These new bridges will feature steel girders, stainless steel reinforced concrete decks, and fewer joints. 

In addition, the project will facilitate smoother traffic by constructing a southbound exit ramp to East 177th Street.  

This will intersect with Morris Park Avenue, East 180th Street, and East Tremont Avenue.  

New stormwater drainage facilities will be installed, and updates will be made to kerbs, ramps, and sidewalks to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Meanwhile, the roadway along Morris Park Avenue, from East 180th Street to Melville Street, will be resurfaced, as will sections of the Bronx River Parkway adjacent to the bridges.  

Architectural design elements will be incorporated into large concrete surfaces within the project limits. 

A new 12ft-wide, shared-use path will be constructed to the east of the parkway’s northbound lanes, connecting to the existing Bronx River Greenway in Bronx Park.  

Construction of the new bridges will be staged to ensure that all travel lanes on the Bronx River Parkway remain open, minimising disruptions to nearby rail traffic. 

Completion of the project is expected by early 2028.