Highbridge Park

NYC PARKS & NYC DOT CELEBRATE THE COMPLETION OF THE HIGHBRIDGE STEP STREET IN THE BRONX

NYC Parks Commissioner Gabrielle Fialkoff and NYC DOT Interim Bronx Borough Commissioner Keith Kalb today joined Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson, State Senator Jose M. Serrano, Councilwoman-elect Althea Stevens, students of P.S. 11 The Highbridge School and the Highbridge Green School, and community members to celebrate the $6.7 million renovation of the Highbridge Step Street in Highbridge Park.

“For over 120 years, the Highbridge Step Street has connected the Highbridge community to the historic High Bridge and the Harlem River waterfront, and we’re so proud to have given it the upgrade it deserves,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Gabrielle Fialkoff. “This is a big win for the community, and thanks to Mayor Bill de Blasio, Borough President Diaz Jr., Council Member Gibson, and the Federal Highway Administration, the step street has been beautifully restored, improving the safety, utility, and connectivity of the staircase while preserving a piece of New York City history.”

“Step Streets provide safe and vital connections to communities navigating the Bronx’s hilly terrain,” said NYC DOT Interim Bronx Borough Commissioner Keith Kalb. “Thank you to NYC Parks, Mayor de Blasio, Borough President Diaz, Council Woman Gibson, and FHWA for their work and funding to renovate the Highbridge Step Street.”

“Step Streets are a vital part of our borough’s infrastructure, as well as a unique and healthy way to travel and get around from Point A to Point B a lot more efficiently throughout our neighborhoods,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “The completion of The Highbridge Step Street project with improved safety features is essential to the community and I am proud to have contributed $3.2 million in capital funding and I thank my colleagues in government, The New York City Parks Department and The New York City Department of Transportation for their partnership in this project."

“With the completion of the Highbridge Step Street, we have restored a historic thoroughway that will once again safely connect residents living in Highbridge to the High Bridge and Harlem Waterfront,” said Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson. “I want to thank our federal officials at the Federal Highway Administration, Mayor de Blasio, our Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr, DOT, NYC Parks and the many parks advocates who have long championed waterfront access to the Harlem River. This infrastructure investment will have a significant impact on the residents of the West Bronx.”

"Built in 1848 as part of the Croton Aqueduct, the High Bridge is an important piece of our history as the oldest bridge in New York City. Its renovation and reopening has attracted visitors from all over who are drawn to its scenic views and recreational opportunities. The improved Highbridge Step Street is not only safer and more functional, but will also provide additional and much needed access from the Bronx side of the High Bridge. Many thanks to Mayor de Blasio, Commissioner Fialkoff, Bronx Borough Commissioner Rodriguez-Rosa, Borough President Diaz Jr., and Councilmember Gibson for bringing this project to life,” said State Senator Jose M. Serrano.

The project improved the safety and utility of the step street, which was previously in disrepair, by reconstructing the historic fabric of the stairs while preserving their character, creating a functional, safe, and attractive space. The steps serve as a connection among the Highbridge residential community, the High Bridge, and the Harlem River waterfront.

The $6.7 million project was made possible with $2 million from Mayor Bill de Blasio, $3.2 million from Borough President Diaz Jr., $769,000 from Councilmember Gibson, and a $720,000 Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) grant.