BQE Corridor Vision Principles

Aerial view of a multi-lane elevated highway with dense car and truck traffic, winding through and above Brooklyn.

 

The City is committed to working with communities along the BQE corridor on two important initiatives. BQE Central will fix the City-owned structure from Atlantic Avenue to Sands Street and BQE North and South will identify upgrades for the entire BQE corridor in Brooklyn. Our work is driven by four guiding principles:

Many people sit in an auditorium. A DOT engineer presents information on a large screen
Stakeholder Involvement

New York City will work with elected officials and communities to develop a comprehensive vision for the BQE corridor in Brooklyn and move these project forward.

Concrete wall with wear and tear near a roadway
Urgency and Resiliency

New York City will take action as necessary to ensure that the City-owned section of the BQE remains safe and prioritize a resilient design. This includes upcoming repairs to Span 4 and Span 34 that will allow truck traffic to continue using this section of the BQE beyond 2026. NYC DOT will deploy a nation-leading automated enforcement program to fine overweight trucks, using weigh-in-motion technology.

Two people walk in a crosswalk under the elevated BQE in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Equity

New York City will invest in communities along the full BQE corridor in an equitable manner. The current design of the BQE currently cuts through many low-income and working-class neighborhoods where most residents are people of color. These physical structures have negatively impacted communities for generations and we are committed to reversing its discriminatory effects.

A DOT crew member makes repairs overhead to the BQE structure
Fiscal Responsibility

We will pursue federal infrastructure funds to rebuild this vital corridor. NYC DOT will fund essential short-term repairs and focus new investments on areas of greatest impact, such as safety improvements, alternative freight solutions, and the creation of public space.

A Community-Driven Plan

Community engagement will guide Mayor Adams' and NYC DOT's decisions about the future of projects along the full BQE corridor. To hear from as many people as possible we will offer a variety of ways to provide input, both online and in-person at various times to accommodate varying schedules and preferences.

Engagement methods will include, but not be limited to:

  • Public Workshops (in-person and hybrid meetings via video conference)
  • Community Pop-Up Events
  • Regular Community Visioning Council Meetings
  • Online Platforms for Community Input
  • Community engagement partners
  • Frequent meetings with elected officials, community boards, and stakeholder groups

Provide feedback via NYC DOT's BQE webform.

Cutting-Edge Design

NYC DOT is engaging top firms to present a variety of design concepts for both BQE Central and BQE North and South. We are updating existing analyses of design elements and will use a design-build project delivery method that will also yield new concepts. NYC DOT will tackle long standing issues, envisioning a BQE for the 21st century, focusing on sustainability, resilience, and other cutting-edge strategies to build the structure our City needs.