New York City is moving forward with a roughly $4 billion rehabilitation of the city-owned section of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, with Brooklyn residents set to have additional opportunities to learn about the project and provide feedback as the environmental review process gets underway.
As announced on Aug. 24, the New York City Department of Transportation is planning to rehabilitate approximately 1.5 miles of the BQE between Atlantic Avenue and Sands Street, including the historic Triple Cantilever in Brooklyn Heights. The work would repair deteriorated sections of the highway and improve drainage, lighting and railings. The roadway would remain two lanes and would not be expanded.
Before formal public comments begin, NYC DOT will host two virtual Q&A sessions. The first is scheduled for Oct. 6 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm, followed by another on Oct. 22 from 11:00am to 12:00pm. The agency will post registration information. NYC DOT will also host in-person pop-up events where residents can review the project materials and get a chance to speak with team members.
During the CEQR process, the city will study how the project could affect the environment and nearby communities. The city will create an environmental impact statement after its public scoping period, where the public will have a chance to provide their input on what the statement should study. City residents can comment online and in writing. Instructions for participating will be posted when the scoping period begins.
The project is expected to take about 10 years and break ground in 2030. The rehabilitation is intended to extend the life of BQE Central by another 40 years while maintaining connections through Brooklyn.
