The Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) is a critical roadway in New York City that is in urgent need of repair due to wear and tear. It is the only interstate highway in Brooklyn and a vital trucking route for the city. Plans to fix the BQE have been proposed, including a new accelerated plan that focuses on the critical city-owned section between Atlantic Avenue and Sand Street. However, disagreements between communities and the city may hold up progress. The BQE's repair underscores the essential nature of construction and creates an opportunity to think more imaginatively about how this industry can reshape our world for the better.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) is one of the busiest roadways in New York.
2. It is in poor condition, described as leaky, rusty, and falling apart.
3. Over 130,000 vehicles use the BQE daily, causing traffic issues.
4. The BQE is Brooklyn's only interstate highway.
5. Sections of the BQE are crumbling due to harsh weather and increasing traffic.
6. There have been various plans and ideas to repair the BQE over the years.
7. Robert Moses played a significant role in designing and constructing the BQE.
8. Construction of the BQE began in 1937 and cost $137 million.
9. The BQE accommodates both commercial trucks and commuters.
10. The triple cantilever is a prominent feature of the BQE.
11. The cantilever is deteriorating, primarily due to corrosion of the steel inside the concrete.
12. Engineers have called for immediate repair to ensure safety.
13. Mayor Adams announced an accelerated plan to fix the BQE in 2023.
14. Community engagement is underway to gather input for the project.
15. Repairs will start in 2026, with interim repairs to ensure safety.
16. The Brooklyn Queens Park plan is one of the proposed solutions to address the BQE's issues.
17. Some community members support the idea of tunnels and covers over the cantilever.
18. The BQE's repair highlights the critical nature of infrastructure in urban areas.
These facts provide an overview of the current state and history of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and the efforts to repair and improve it.