The Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) is an essential component of the region’s transportation network. It not only serves to connect Brooklyn with key access points in Manhattan, Queens, and on Staten Island, but it also carries regional trucks and other traffic, keeping this traffic off local Brooklyn streets.
BQE Central is the approximately 1.5-mile City-owned section of the BQE (Interstate-278) between Atlantic Avenue and Sands Street in Brooklyn. This section includes multiple bridge structures – including the historic 0.4-mile-long “Triple Cantilever”. The BQE Central Project focuses on rehabilitating the structure to keep it safe for travelers.
NYC DOT is proposing to rehabilitate BQE Central to address aging infrastructure, improve safety and reliability, and maintain this important connection for people and goods moving through Brooklyn and the region.
The project is preparing to enter the City Environmental Quality Review (CEQR) process. Through the CEQR process, NYC DOT will study the project’s potential environmental effects and provide opportunities for public input.
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Virtual Q&A Sessions
- Virtual Q&A #1, Tuesday, October 6, 2026, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Registration: bit.ly/bqecentral-oct6
- Virtual Q&A #2, Thursday, October 22, 2026, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Registration: bit.ly/bqecentral-oct22
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Pop-Up Events
NYC DOT will also host in-person pop-up events where members of the public can speak with project team members. These events will not feature a presentation, so members of the public can attend at any time during the event. More events will be added soon.
- Atlantic Antic, Sunday, October 4, 2026, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Montague Street Open Street, Sunday, October 11, 2026, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Brooklyn Heights Library Pop-Up Office Hours, Tuesday, October 13, 2026, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- DUMBO Archway Plaza, Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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CEQR Public Scoping Meetings
NYC DOT will hold public scoping meetings where you can learn more about the Draft Scope of Work and provide an official CEQR public comment. The same information will be presented at each meeting. You only need to attend one meeting, but you are welcome to attend either. Please note that registration in advance is required for the virtual public scoping meeting. If you require language interpretation services for the virtual meeting, you must register by Thursday, November 5. Register at the link below.
- Public Scoping Meeting #1 (In-person), Tuesday, November 10, 2026, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Location TBA
- Public Scoping Meeting #2 (Virtual), Thursday, November 12, 2026, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Registration: bit.ly/bqecentral-nov12
Language interpretation services available upon request. If you require language interpretation services for this virtual meeting, you must register by Thursday, November 5.