Everyone Hates This Highway. What’s the Best Way to Fix It?

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by Stefanos Chen

February 25, 2026

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Community groups are leading opposition to plans for expanding the Cross Bronx Expressway, instead advocating for more targeted repairs and upgrades to local streets. The decades-old highway has long been a source of frustration for residents, who argue that its expansion would further disrupt neighborhoods and fail to address their immediate concerns about traffic congestion and safety. Advocates emphasize the need for smaller-scale infrastructure improvements that prioritize local roads and pedestrian accessibility. The Cross Bronx Expressway, built in 1963 as part of Robert Moses’ urban planning efforts, has faced criticism for dividing communities and contributing to environmental harm. Opponents argue that expanding the highway would worsen these issues, displacing residents and businesses while diverting resources away from much-needed repairs to local streets. Instead, they propose a more localized approach to infrastructure improvements, focusing on fixing potholes, improving intersections, and enhancing public transit options. Groups like the South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (SOBRO) have been vocal in their opposition to the proposed expansion, which they say would disproportionately impact low-income communities of color. They argue that limited repairs to the expressway could be sufficient to address current issues while allowing for more comprehensive fixes over time. Advocates also highlight the importance of investing in local streets as a way to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists. This debate highlights broader tensions between large-scale infrastructure projects and community-driven solutions. Critics of the expansion plan argue that it would further entrench car-centric transportation policies, neglecting the needs of walkers, bikers, and public transit users. They emphasize the importance of considering equity and sustainability in urban planning decisions, particularly in densely populated areas like the

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/25/2026