Klein Announces $1 Million Study to Reduce Traffic Congestion at Hutchinson Metro Center in the Bronx

NYC DOT Design Study to Examine New Access Ramp to Hutch Metro Complex Via Hutchinson River Parkway

New Access Point Would Significantly Reduce Congestion, Improve Traffic Flow, Provide Emergency Exit for More Than 10,000 Employees & Visitors

BRONX – State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester), together with New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto (D-Bronx), Councilman James Vacca (D-Bronx), President of Simone Metro Properties Joe Kelleher, the Department of City Planning, Community Boards 10 and 11, local activists and community groups, today announced $1 million in state funding for the new NYC DOT preliminary design study to reduce congestion at the Hutchinson Metro Center in the Bronx.

The study will examine the feasibility of and develop a conceptual plan to construct a new southbound access ramp to the Hutch Metro Center via the Hutchinson River Parkway, in addition to the creation of a service road and two way-public street connecting to the complex.

“Today, there is no doubt that the Bronx is booming. We have seen an economic resurgence like never before, and thriving commercial developments like the Hutchinson Metro Center have played a central role in that growth. With this tremendous success, we have also seen an increase in the number of employees, students, patients and visitors to the Center causing additional traffic congestion,” said Senator Jeff Klein. “A new access ramp connecting the Hutch Metro Center to the Hutchinson River Parkway is not only feasible, but necessary. I commend Commissioner Trottenberg, Assemblyman Bendetto and Councilman Vacca for their efforts to see this plan through to fruition. I look forward to working with the DOT, Simone Metro Properties and the local community as we continue to make smart investments in infrastructure, economic development and transportation for years to come.”

“DOT is glad to work closely with the Pelham Bay community and elected officials to explore options near the Hutchinson River Parkway that will keep pedestrians and motorists moving safely,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. “It is critical that our infrastructure, including key thoroughfares like this one, supports the significant growth we are seeing in this area.”

In 2013, the Department of City Planning conducted a preliminary study of the Hutch corridor to address community concerns regarding traffic mitigation. The NYC DOT study will build on the initial work of DCP, further investing traffic flow, while focusing specifically on the design and construction of a new southbound on-ramp, off-ramp on the Hutchinson River Parkway. With widespread community support and new developments on the horizon, the access ramp would significantly reduce congestion, improve existing traffic patterns and provide an emergency exit for the more than 10,000 employees, patients and guests visiting the Hutch Metro Center each day.

"I am extremely pleased the DOT will be pursuing a preliminary design study in regards to the Hutchinson Metro Center.  It shows that when people look creatively at a problem, solutions can be found,” said Assemblyman Michael Benedetto. “This design will benefit all stakeholders: the Hutch Metro Center , the workers, the clients and the local community."

“I’m proud to announce the allocation of funds for a study to determine feasibility of a direct on/off-ramp into the Hutchinson Metro Center,” said Council Member James Vacca. “Given the increased development in our community, additional transportation infrastructure is necessary to maintain our quality of life, in addition to improving the long-term economic growth of our area.  Direct access to and from the Hutchinson River Parkway to the Hutch Metro Center would be a win for residents, commuters, and merchants alike. Since local electeds have been advocating for this for years, I’d like to thank Senator Klein for securing the funds needed for this important study.”

“We are in the middle of a dramatic resurgence of the northeast Bronx with over three million square feet of new office and retail construction along the Hutch/I-95 corridors in the past several years. In order for the job-creating development to continue and expand throughout this region, we need to have intelligent, planned infrastructure enhancement,” said Joseph Kelleher, President of Simone Metro Properties. “We commend Senator Jeff Klein for recognizing this need and for his role in advancing this critical initiative. We are thankful for his vision and leadership. We want to thank Assemblyman Benedetto and Councilman Vacca for being part of the process as well. With the cooperation of our elected officials and with continued investment by private developers, we are confident that the resurgence of the New Bronx will continue.”

“Today’s announcement builds on DCP's Hutchinson River Parkway Corridor transportation study and will help ensure that the economic growth in this area is complemented by appropriate transportation connections,” said City Planning Commission Chairman Carl Weisbrod. “I want to thank Senator Klein for his leadership as well as the community stakeholders and DOT who have been working toward solutions to enhance circulation, access and safety for auto, bicycle and pedestrian users alike.”

The preliminary design investigation is slated to begin this summer. The project includes a topographic survey, traffic analysis, schematic design, cost assessment and environmental impact statement. In the coming year, the 42-acre Hutch Metro Center will see construction completed on the new Marriott Residence Inn and the addition of an expansive 550,000-square-foot 911 call center adjacent to the office complex.

"This is a clear step forward for the Bronx. Major investments in infrastructure are needed as the Bronx has seen unparalleled growth and prosperity in recent years,” said John Marano, Vice President of Community Board 10. “I would like to thank Senator Klein, the

DOT, Assemblyman Benedetto and Councilman Vacca for their work move this much-needed project forward.”

"As our communities continue to grow, our infrastructure  must be able to meet that need and expand along with it.  Today, with only one entry and exit point, a new ramp connecting the Hutchinson Metro Center to the Hutchinson River Parkway is essential,” said Vinny Prezioso, Head of Traffic Committee of CB 11. “I want to thank Senator Klein for his commitment to this project and the DOT, Assemblyman Benedetto, and Councilman Vacca for the critical investments they are making in the Bronx."