Hunts Point plaza gets $12M makeover with new public space and traffic improvements
Photos courtesy of NYC DDC
A busy Bronx intersection known for pedestrian-vehicle conflicts has received a $12 million upgrade, improving safety and creating a vibrant public space for residents. Last week, the city’s Departments of Transportation (DOT), Parks, and Design and Construction (DDC) announced the completion of upgrades to Hunts Point’s Monsignor Raul Del Valle Square, finished on time and nearly 20 percent under its $14.8 million budget. The project realigned the roadway to ease traffic on East 163rd Street and added a new lane on Hunts Point Avenue, addressing issues with illegal turns, inadequate signage, and long crossing distances.
Bounded by Bruckner Boulevard, East 163rd Street, and Hunts Point Avenue, a previous study of Del Valle Square found that two of the three adjacent intersections had high rates of pedestrian-vehicle conflicts, driven by long crossing distances, frequent illegal left and U-turns, and insufficient signage.
Now, new roadway upgrades and bus shelters will ease bus traffic in the area for more seamless transfers, rider pickups, and loading, while improving access to the Hunts Point Avenue subway station.
Street signage and lighting were also enhanced, with new DOT wayfinding signs guiding pedestrians and drivers more effectively. The project added nearly 30 ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps, 35,000 square feet of sidewalks, 3,500 feet of curb, and 1.2 acres of asphalt, and connected the square to the city’s bike lane network.
Within the plaza itself, the city installed new light poles, seating, and 10 trees, along with a bottle filler, water fountain, bike racks, and movable planters. Local water mains were upgraded, and eight new fire hydrants and 10 catch basins were added to improve drainage.
“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,” Assembly Member Emerita Torres said.
“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.”
Before construction began in 2024, the city partnered with students to install temporary public art along the project’s 176-foot-long construction fence. The 14 artworks, created by students ages 8 to 16 from the Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education and the Point Community Development Corporation, incorporated elements the students felt best represented their community.
“Our streets and plazas must put people first, creating places that are safe, welcoming, and easy to navigate,” DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn said. “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.”
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