Mamdani unveils NYC's $4B plan to fix Brooklyn-Queens Expressway

NEW YORK - Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a new multi-billion dollar plan to repair the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway as his administration prioritizes fixing up a key section of the deteriorating highway.

BQE repairs

What we know:

Mamdani revealed in a video released early Monday morning a blueprint to repair a 1.5-mile stretch known as "BQE Central," which is owned by the city.

The plan is to fix the BQE's aging concrete and triple cantilever section, which Mamdani said is most in need of some work.

The New York City Department of Transportation plans to build a temporary, two-level highway bypass on top of Furman Street, below the promenade, from Atlantic Avenue to Columbia Heights. 

It will also build a second temporary, elevated highway bypass from Columbia Heights, over the Brooklyn Bridge approach, to the Manhattan Bridge. 

Mamdani's announcement

What they're saying:

Mamdani said the BQE repairs will cost $4 billion and take about 10 years to complete.

"We cannot wait any longer. We're done kicking the can down the road," he said. "We'll build a temporary road for traffic, which avoids sending tens of thousands of cars and trucks into local streets and keeps the highway operable during construction." 

By the numbers:

The BQE's infrastructure is 20 years past its design life and sees more than 130,000 vehicles daily, so it's no secret that it needs an overhaul.

Mamdani said the project will extend the life of the highway for another 40 years. 

Every year that goes by without fixing the problems costs $160 million, according to the city. 

What's next:

The city DOT is expected to start its environmental review process in the fall, with work expected to begin in 2030.