Adams Calls for Urgent Action on Brooklyn-Queens Expressway

By Y.M. Lowy

Mayor Eric Adams is calling on the federal government to move faster on repairing the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, warning that the city could soon face major traffic problems if action isn’t taken.

In a letter sent October 15 to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Adams asked federal officials to start the environmental review by November 14 for the 1.5-mile stretch between Atlantic Avenue and Sands Street.

Adams is pushing to get the project moving before he leaves office in January. He warned that if work doesn’t begin soon, the city may have to limit truck weights or even close parts of the expressway, which could send heavy traffic onto local streets and cost billions in lost business.

The city’s Department of Transportation is studying several ideas for the section known as BQE Central, which is the only part owned by the city. Options include rebuilding the current three-level structure, redesigning it with fewer lanes, or covering parts of the open trench to reconnect nearby neighborhoods.

City officials say the federal review will look at different design choices and include community feedback before any final plan is chosen.

The Federal Highway Administration is reviewing the city and state’s proposal but hasn’t said when it will decide. If the process drags on, the next mayor may have to take over.