City Proposes Major BQE Repair in Brooklyn
New York City Department of Transportation plans to repair about 1.5 miles of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway beneath Brooklyn Heights, starting as early as 2029.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Car Maintenance
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The New York City Department of Transportation has proposed repairing about 1.5 miles of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, from just north of Atlantic Avenue to Nassau Street. Inspectors found a hole through concrete above Old Fulton Street and exposed steel elsewhere on the highway, though short-term repairs have kept it safe to drive.
Why it matters
The aging two-level highway beneath the Brooklyn Heights Promenade needs major work, and the project would reshape traffic for drivers and residents in New York City for more than a decade. Residents are reacting to the scope of the proposal and its disruption.
The proposed repair covers about 1.5 miles, with construction estimated to start in 2029 and finish by 2040. Two temporary roads would carry traffic during the work and be removed afterward.
The players
New York City Department of Transportation
The city agency responsible for planning, operating, and maintaining the city's streets, bridges, and highways, including the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway.
The details
The Department of Transportation proposed two temporary roads to carry traffic during repairs, one above Furman Street and another carrying drivers heading toward Queens near the Brooklyn Bridge. Before the project moves forward, the agency will hold public comment on what it should study.
Timeline
Tuesday, Nov. 10: In-person public meeting at City Tech auditorium, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 12: Online public meeting, 6:30-8:30 p.m., registration required.
Nov. 23: Deadline to email written comments to BQECentral@dot.nyc.gov.
2029: Estimated start of construction.
2040: Estimated completion of construction.
Roadmap
The proposal fits into New York City's broader effort to address aging highway infrastructure built decades ago. It highlights how deferred maintenance on major expressways can lead to large, long-term repair projects.
Drivers using the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway should expect detours on temporary roads once construction begins. Residents can weigh in through the public meetings or by emailing written comments before the Nov. 23 deadline.
The takeaway
Residents and drivers have a window to shape how the project is studied before construction begins. Following the public meetings and comment deadline is the most direct way to affect the outcome.
What happens next
Public meetings are scheduled for Nov. 10 and Nov. 12, and written comments are due by Nov. 23 to BQECentral@dot.nyc.gov.
Further reading
Explore more on car maintenance to understand how roadway and vehicle upkeep affects drivers.
More information
Submit written comments on the BQE repair proposal by Nov. 23.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News 12 - Brooklyn.
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