Capping The Cross Bronx Expressway: Brian Lehrer Show

I  recently listened to another show in Brain Lehrer "10460 series". The topic was exploring this idea of capping portions of the Cross Bronx Expressway.  Capping a highway means to build a deck park or enclose the  highway in a tunnel. (See image below).  Feelings of concern and excitement overwhelmed me at once. A plan to cap the Cross Bronx Express, sounds amazing!  My honest knee jerk response was to research who was speaking. The interview was with Nilka Martell and Dr. Muennig. 

Before & After Klyde Waren Park, Dallas Texas

Nilka Martell is environmental activist - very present in the community garden world.  Her voice added legitmaticy and vision to the plan. Dr. Muennig was second person on the show.  Dr. Muennig co-authored a report in 2018 about the possible health benefits from capping 2.4 miles of the Cross Bronx. The entire express way is 7miles. He chose areas that would not restrict tractor trailer passing. Trapping the noise great! Trap the pollution... best outcome ever but what about the neighborhoods living at the opening of thee tunnel. Is it like a burst of smog? Also... it made me feel slightly claustrophobic as a driver.

Nonetheless, I love the outdoor, and there is never enough when you live in NYC. Even though, the Bronx has the most green space than other borough. This plan would add more land area to the heart of The Bronx which  is one of the most overpopulated areas in the city. 

A bigger fear was,  how can we ensure this project enables the current families of the Bronx to live wealthier and healthier lifestyles? Community board 6 is already gentrifying and much redevelopment hasn't been done to improve services or quality of life in the community. So, if we really did get a new park... that would justify the increase in outsiders desiring to move in. When one of the callers raised this concern no-one addressed it. However,  I applaud Ms. Nilka and Dr. Muennig for pushing this project through. Its a great proposal of a way to spend Biden's Infrastructure Bill money. With ambitious Congressman Torres supporting this initiative, I can see this completed by 2030! This a very timely conversation.

The propose park deck (Muennig et al., 2018)

If you are still confused on how it would work check out the video of Klyde Warren DeckPark designed Dallas planning firm OJB.

Sources: 

The Brain Lehrer Show, April 2021: https://www.wnyc.org/story/legacy-cross-bronx-and-future-without-environmental-racism

Kim, S.; Zafari Z.; Martine Bellanger, M; and Muennig, P.A. (2018) Cost-Effectiveness of Capping Freeways for Use as Parks: The New York Cross Bronx Expressway Case Study