New design concepts released for reimagined Brooklyn Queens Expressway

NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- There are new details on the future of the new Brooklyn Queens Expressway.

The New York City Department of Transportation released three new design concepts for the city-owned portion of the beleaguered highway.

The portion of the BQE owned by the city includes the stretch from Atlantic Avenue to Sands Street.

"Today brings us one step closer to building a BQE that serves all New Yorkers," said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. "This administration is taking a bold approach, repairing a crumbling eyesore and delivering transformational open space to residents and visitors alike. While much work remains, these refined concepts mark another milestone to create a reimagined BQE Central. We look forward to continuing working with all of our community partners to deliver on an ambitious vision that will serve New Yorkers for generations to come."

The city will rely on community feedback to decide which concept to choose.

Also starting this month, the city will begin a traffic study, with the goal to make the highway as narrow as possible.

Last weekend, another group, Transportation Alternatives, held the first of three walking tours of the crumbling expressway. The group wants to make sure the reimagined highway reconnects the neighborhoods previously torn apart by the BQE.

The concerns also focus on safer bike and pedestrian connections, reduced noise and air pollution and respecting the historic nature of the Brooklyn Promenade.

While the BQE North and South sections are owned by the New York State Department of Transportation, the city says it remains committed to pursuing improvements across the corridor on city-owned property.

RELATED: Walking tour of the BQE

There was a history lesson and a look toward the future on Saturday, with the first of several walking tours of the BQE.

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