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Brooklyn-Queens Expressway closures this weekend; see the detour maps

Potential traffic nightmare as major NYC highway closes for weekend
Potential traffic nightmare as major NYC highway closes for weekend 02:08

NEW YORK -- Parts of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway are shut down this weekend, April 13-15, as crews conduct essential deck repair work that will include new concrete and steel bars.

The New York City Department of Transportation said the repairs are critical and will extend the lifespan of the BQE.

Traffic agents will be in place to help drivers navigate.

BQE closures

All Queens-bound lanes of the BQE are closed between Atlantic Avenue and Sands Street from 2 a.m. Saturday to 4 a.m. Monday.

Drivers will not be able to make eastbound left turns from Atlantic Avenue onto Hicks Street or Clinton Street, except for buses.

The following ramps will be closed:

  • Third Avenue at 65th Street entrance
  • Sixth Avenue at 65th Street entrance
  • Prospect Expressway entrance
  • Hamilton Avenue entrance
  • Atlantic Avenue entrance
  • Cadman Plaza exit
  • Brooklyn Bridge exit
  • Manhattan Bridge exit

The DOT posted several detours to help drivers navigate the closures.

Atlantic Avenue detour

Drivers will exit at Atlantic Avenue, make a left onto Boerum Place, followed by a right onto Tillary Street, then take the ramp onto the BQE.

atlantic avenue detour map
Queens-bound BQE April 13-15, 2024 closure -- Atlantic Avenue detour New York City Department of Transportation

Third Avenue entrance ramp detour

Drivers will exit Gowanus Expressway at Exit 21 to Third Avenue in Brooklyn. Travel along Third Avenue, then turn left onto Flatbush Avenue, followed by a right onto Tillary Street and take the ramp onto the BQE.

third avenue entrance ramp detour
Queens-bound BQE April 13-15, 2024 closure -- Third Avenue entrance ramp detour New York City Department of Transportation

Prospect Expressway entrance ramp tour

Drivers will take the Prospect Expressway towards Gowanus Expressway. Exit Gowanus Expressway at Hamilton Avenue, then turn right onto Hicks Street, followed by a right onto Atlantic Avenue and a left onto Boerum Place. Then, turn right onto Tillary Street and take the ramp onto the BQE.

prospect expressway entrance ramp detour
Queens-bound BQE April 13-15, 2024 closure -- Prospect Expressway entrance ramp detour New York City Department of Transportation

Linden Boulevard detour

Truck drivers are advised to exit Gowanus Expressway at Prospect Expressway, then exit at 10th Avenue. Turn right onto 10th Avenue, then left onto McDonald Avenue and left again onto Caton Avenue. Continue onto Linden Boulevard and follow detour routes to Conduit Avenue, which will offer connections to the Nassau Expressway, Van Wyck Expressway and Long Island Expressway via the Van Wyck Expressway.

Linden Boulevard truck ramp detour
Queens-bound BQE April 13-15, 2024 closure -- Linden Boulevard truck detour New York City Department of Transportation

The closures are due to ongoing repairs and follow a previous round of construction back in October. The DOT says similar closures for repairs are expected the weekend of June 1-3.

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