Full BQE Closure Scheduled For October In Brooklyn: What To Know

BROOKLYN, NY — Brooklyn drivers may need to prepare alternate routes in the coming weeks with major closures expected on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway.

Brooklyn traffic will be most heavily affected by a full closure on the Queens-bound BQE from Atlantic Avenue to Sands Street, starting at 2 a.m. on Oct. 14 and lasting through 4 a.m. on Oct. 16.

During the same period, the Staten Island-bound BQE will be reduced to one late between Sands Street and Atlantic Avenue.

The closures will allow crews to repair the road's concrete and add reinforced steel bars to lengthen the BQE's lifespan, according to the Transportation department.

"We are making critical repairs to the BQE to preserve its lifespan while at the same time trying to minimize impact on the local community," said Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez.

Transportation authorities said the October weekend was chosen for its historically low volume of BQE traffic.

A number of bus changes and traffic restrictions will also affect Brooklyn traffic from Oct. 14-Oct. 16, including:

• B67 and B69 stops closed at Pearl and Sands Street .
• B61 and B63 stops at Columbia Street and Atlantic Avenue will be redirected to Atlantic Avenue and Henry Street (via Congress Street and Hicks Street to Atlantic Avenue.)
• No left turn for traffic from Atlantic Avenue eastbound onto Hick Street or Clinton Street.

Multiple ramps will also close between Oct. 14 and 16, including:

Queens-bound

• 3rd Ave entrance Ramp
• 6th Ave entrance ramp
• Prospect Expressway Entrance Ramp
• Hamilton Avenue Entrance Ramp
• Atlantic Avenue Entrance Ramp
• Cadman Plaza Exit Ramp
• Brooklyn Bridge Exit Ramp
• Manhattan Bridge Exit Ramp

Staten Island Bound

• Flushing Avenue Entrance Ramp
• Sands Street Entrance Ramp
• Vine Street Entrance Ramp

For reroute details on ramp closures and more information on BQE closures, visit this link.