NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — The New York City Department of Transportation on Tuesday unveiled new plans to rework a section of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway to provide pedestrian access to the waterfront in Brooklyn Heights as part of much-needed repairs.
The changes would only impact BQE Central, the section of the highway between Atlantic Avenue and Sands Street that runs along Brooklyn Bridge Park.
The BQE North and South sections are owned by the New York State Department of Transportation.
The proposals are dubbed the Terraces, the Lookout and the Stoop. The Terraces are a series of terraced platforms with staircases and ramps leading pedestrians down to the park; the Lookout is a hill with switchback walkways; and the Stoop is a set of concrete steps.
Each of the three proposals would involve covering the highway to create pedestrian access to the waterfront park. They could all be applied to either a two- or three-lane highway.
The Terraces and the Lookout could be built by incorporating existing infrastructure, but the Stoop would require a full replacement.
The DOT is preparing an environmental review and a traffic study for the project. The agency plans to apply for federal grants from the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for funding.
"Today brings us one step closer to building a BQE that serves all New Yorkers," said Mayor Eric Adams. "This administration is taking a bold approach, repairing a crumbling eyesore and delivering transformational open space to residents and visitors alike."
The BQE is in desperate need of repairs after years of corrosion from road salt, exposure to the elements and strain from use.
Brooklyn Heights, the neighborhood that would most benefit from the pedestrian access projects, has a median income of $148,621 — more than double New York City’s overall median income of $69,407, according to City-Data.com.
The areas of the BQE controlled by the state cross through much poorer areas of Brooklyn. The highway famously caused displacement and separated neighborhoods when it was built in the early 1950s.
While the city doesn’t have the same level of control over the north and south sections of the highway, DOT officials say they are planning to address some issues there as well.
“The City is continuing its equitable planning effort to reconnect communities in both the BQE North and South sections,” said New York City DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “The agency is working with its BQE Community partners – 18 community organizations across Brooklyn – to conduct outreach in communities along the corridor.”
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