City Wants Feedback On Van Wyck Expressway Redesign

KEW GARDENS, QUEENS - Officials want public feedback on their $1.2 billion plan to revamp the Van Wyck Expressway. At public hearings this week, New Yorkers can weigh in on the proposal to add lanes and make other improvements to the busy highway.

The plan's aim is to ease traffic between the Kew Gardens Interchange and JFK Airport by expanding the highway from three lanes to four in each direction. The added lanes would be for high-occupancy vehicles. An estimated 170,000 drivers take that route each day, according to an environmental review.

During the Feb. 27 and 28 hearings, which will include project presentations, the public can share thoughts on the environmental review draft released in January. Spanish language interpreters will be available at both hearings.

The Feb. 27 hearing will be at 172-17 Linden Boulevard in Jamaica from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Feb. 28 hearing will be at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center at 153-10 Jamaica Avenue from 4 to 8 p.m.

Once public comments are factored into the final environmental review, the Federal Highway Administration will decide whether or not to approve the project. If approved, the project would wrap up at the end of 2024, according to the Forest Hills Post.

The deadline for public comment is March 18. The public can send written comments by email to vwe@dot.ny.gov or by mail to the Van Wyck Expressway Project Team at the NYS Department of Transportation, 47-40 21st Street, Long Island City, New York, 11101.