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Can the DOT Transform the BQE From Failing to Futuristic?

Can the DOT Transform the BQE From Failing to Futuristic?

By Yehudit Garmaise

The Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) could soon be transformed into a "modern, resilient structure,” said Mayor Eric Adams, when he described some of the “re-design concepts” that his administration is now considering.

Last night, the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) and representatives from the 17 community organizations that comprise the BQE Corridor Vision Community Partners hosted their second workshop at the NYC College of Technology. 

In what Adams hopes will be a "long-term fix" to the BQE, he revealed the latest ideas in which the DOT will improve the expressway's safety, create more public space, and repair the BQE Central, which is the stretch from Atlantic Avenue to Sands Street.

Some BQE re-design ideas that "push the boundaries and fully explore what is possible for BQE Central" include replacing the triple cantilever with stacked roadways that could run below, at, or above street level.

The BQE design teams still need to decide whether to stack the roadways in tiers that ascend above street level, like bleachers, or build two parallel roadways directly over or under the street-level roadways. No matter how the triple cantilever is reenvisioned, all plans provide spans of green, car-free, safe spaces for pedestrians, bicyclists, and people who ride scooters.

"Now is the time to think big," said Mayor Adams, who said the BQE's re-design process is in "step one."

"We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a BQE for the 21st century and transform an environmental and aesthetic nightmare into a dream come true for our city," the mayor said.

Acknowledging the project's significant community input, Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi said, "Hundreds of people who live near, travel through, and rely on the BQE daily provided their thoughts, on which our design and engineering experts rely, to prepare several possibilities to reimagine the triple cantilever."

"Today, we reach the first of many milestones in the most complex and necessary infrastructure projects in New York City: and likely in the nation," said Joshi.

Preliminary design concepts with names like "The Terraces," "The Lookout," and "The Stoop" were presented for illustrative purposes. 

"We are excited to hear from New Yorkers as we determine which one will become a reality,” said Mayor Adams.

Residents who would like to participate in the third BQE Central workshop can attend on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2023, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at a location that will be announced as the event approaches.


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