$12 Million Del Valle Square Upgrade Improves Traffic and Pedestrian Safety, Creating a Vital New Space in Hunts Point

$12 Million Del Valle Square Upgrade Improves Traffic and Pedestrian Safety, Creating a Vital New Space in Hunts Point

Construction completed on schedule and nearly 20 percent under budget saving $2.8 million

DDC: Denisse Moreno, 718-391-1854, [email protected]
NYC DOT: 212-839-4850, [email protected]
NYC Parks: 212-360-1311, [email protected]

(Bronx, NY - January 9, 2026) The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT), NYC Parks and the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) today announced the completion of a $12 million project that transformed the Monsignor Raul Del Valle Square in Hunts Point, Bronx into a versatile public space surrounded by calmer traffic and improved pedestrian safety features. DDC managed the project for NYC DOT and Parks, which was completed on schedule and nearly 20 percent under the allocated $14.8 million budget, saving taxpayers approximately $2.8 million.

"Our streets and plazas must put people first, creating places that are safe, welcoming, and easy to navigate," said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. "This project improves safety and delivers a world-class public space in Hunts Point that truly belongs to the community-and I thank DDC and Parks for their dedicated partnership."

"Thriving open space is essential in our city, and the redesign of Monsignor Raul Del Valle Square has beautified a vital community hub while increasing its safety and accessibility," said NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa. "We're grateful to DDC and DOT for their partnership in completing this important project, which makes the plaza a more dynamic public space while reducing traffic flow and enhancing safety for pedestrians and drivers alike."

"Del Valle Square and the surrounding area has been completely transformed, making it a more beautiful and safer place and also helping people access nearby public transportation," said NYC Department of Design and Construction Acting Commissioner Eduardo del Valle. "We are very proud to have completed this project on time and $2.8 million under budget, saving taxpayers' dollars. I thank the DDC project team that did a great job and our partners at DOT and Parks for working with us on this important project."

Del Valle Square is bounded by Bruckner Boulevard, East 163rd Street and Hunts Point Avenue. A previous study revealed that two of the three intersections at the site had high rates of pedestrian-vehicular conflict, including long crossing distances, high incidents of illegal left and U-turns, as well as inadequate signage. The reconstruction project addressed these issues by realigning the roadway to reduce traffic flow on East 163rd Street, and by adding a new traffic lane on Hunts Point Avenue.

New roadway upgrades and a bus shelter were added to ease bus traffic in the area for smoother transfers, rider pickups and loading. The project also facilitates access to the Hunts Point Avenue subway station. Street and traffic lighting were upgraded, and new DOT wayfinding signage were added. Nearly 30 ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps, 35,000 square feet of sidewalk, 3,500 feet of curb, and 1.2 acres of asphalt were installed as part of the project. The area now has connections to the bike lane network, making it safer for cyclists.

Inside the plaza itself, new light poles, seating and 10 trees were added. A bottle filler, drinking water fountain, bike racks and movable planters were installed. The project also upgraded local water mains and added eight fire hydrants plus 10 catch basins to improve drainage.

In 2024, the City worked with students to install art along the project's 176-foot-long construction fence. The 14 artworks, done by students ranging from 8- to 16-years-old from Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education and The Point Community Development Corporation, featured the elements the students felt best represented their community.

"Today is a testament to how investing in our infrastructure can transform a community for the better," said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. "The Del Valle Square project improves safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers while creating a public space that reflects the Hunts Point community's character, culture, and creativity. The reconstruction of Del Valle Square introduces new seating, green spaces, and community-cultivated art, allowing residents to gather safely and take pride in their neighborhoods. I look forward to supporting more spaces like these in our borough to promote a healthier, inclusive, and safe environment for Bronx residents of all backgrounds."

"This project reimagines Monsignor Raul Del Valle Square as a true community hub-one that is safer, greener, and easier to navigate for everyone who lives, works, and travels through Hunts Point," said Assemblymember Emerita Torres. "By redesigning traffic patterns, shortening pedestrian crossings, improving transit access, and adding ADA-compliant infrastructure, we've created a more welcoming public space that better serves the neighborhood. Completing this work on schedule and under budget is a testament to strong interagency collaboration and our shared commitment to delivering high-quality projects for New Yorkers."

"The redesign of Del Valle Square took serious communication and collaboration between multiple city agencies, partners, and the community," said Councilmember Justin Sanchez. "The results of their effort speaks for itself. As we enter this new year, with a new council and a new administration, we need to look at Del Valle Square as an example to follow for all future projects and projects which are currently in motion."

About the NYC Department of Transportation
The New York City Department of Transportation's (NYC DOT) mission is to provide for the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible movement of people and goods in the City of New York and to maintain and enhance the transportation infrastructure crucial to the economic vitality and quality of life of our primary customers, City residents. NYC DOT's staff manage an annual operating budget of $1.4 billion and a ten-year $33 billion capital program, along with 6,300 miles of streets and highways, over 12,000 miles of sidewalk, and approximately 800 bridges and tunnels, including the iconic East River bridges. The agency operates the Staten Island Ferry, serving 16 million annual riders. NYC DOT's staff also installs and maintains nearly one million street signs, 13,250 signalized intersections, over 315,000 street lights, and over 350 million linear feet of markings.

About NYC Parks
NYC Parks is the steward of more than 30,000 acres of land - 14 percent of New York City - including more than 5,000 individual properties ranging from Coney Island Beach and Central Park to community gardens and Greenstreets. We operate more than 800 athletic fields and nearly 1,000 playgrounds, 1,800 basketball courts, 550 tennis courts, 65 public pools, 51 recreational facilities, 15 nature centers, 14 golf courses, and 14 miles of beaches. We care for 1,200 monuments and 23 historic house museums. We look after 600,000 street trees, and two million more in parks. We are New York City's principal provider of recreational and athletic facilities and programs. We are home to free concerts, world-class sports events, and cultural festivals.

About the NYC Department of Design and Construction
The Department of Design and Construction is the City's primary capital construction project manager, providing New York's diverse communities in all five boroughs with new or renovated public buildings such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, and new or upgraded roads, sewers and water mains. To manage this $34 billion portfolio, DDC partners with other City agencies, architects and consultants, whose experience bring efficient, innovative and environmentally-conscious design and construction strategies to City projects. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/ddc.