Critics Say New York Highway Expansion Plans Oppose Climate Goals

New York state officials are planning to expand highways in all five of the city’s boroughs, prompting criticism from transit advocates who say the plans counteract the state’s climate and traffic reduction goals.

As Evan Simko-Bednarski explains in the New York Daily News, a report by advocates Riders Alliance with Vocal-NY claims that proposed projects will bring more traffic to the Hunts Point market in the Bronx, where the state plans to widen the Bruckner Expressway.  “Despite a stated goal of keeping trucks off surface streets on their way to the Hunts Point market, the report’s authors said the project would create more room for vehicular traffic overall, encouraging more automobile use in the borough.”

A spokesperson for the MTA said the proposals are designed to “enhance customer safety, reduce traffic congestion, pollution and benefit local communities.” Governor Hochul’s office added that some projects include mitigations like bike lanes and new trees and landscaping while performing necessary maintenance work.