On Tuesday, the state Department of Transportation released a long-awaited study detailing the traffic implications of possible options for the future of the Sheridan Expressway.

Advocates will continue to fight for the Sheridan's removalFor over 10 years, many south Bronx residents and transportation advocates, such as the Pratt Center for Community Development have asked NYSDOT to tear down the expressway.

Their vision would replace what they consider to be a redundant roadway that creates an ugly impediment to Bronx river access, with improved street connectivity and twenty-eight acres of affordable housing, commercial development and open space amenities that the Hunts Point area desperately needs.

But the state report may have thrown cold water on the advocates' hopes. The state concluded that removing the Sheridan would push traffic onto local streets, increasing congestion, while keeping it would encourage drivers to stay on the highway system. Those fighting to eliminate the expressway will most likely hire a traffic analyst to review the state's report. The state will now begin environmental reviews, with a final decision is expected in early 2012.

The Sheridan is a mile and a quarter roadway, which connects the Bruckner and Cross Bronx Expressways and now represents a battleground in the national fight to ease cities' reliance on the automobile. Truck drivers making deliveries to the Hunts Point Food Distribution Center say the Sheridan is needed because it shaves valuable minutes off their commutes.