NYC Faces Tough Choices on Aging Brooklyn-Queens Expressway

Experts warn the BQE project could become New York's own 'Big Dig' saga

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Cities across the U.S. are grappling with aging highway infrastructure, and New York City's Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) is a prime example. A 0.4-mile section known as the triple cantilever is in dire need of repair or replacement, drawing comparisons to Boston's costly and disruptive 'Big Dig' project. Officials are weighing 13 options to address the BQE, but the potential scale and expense of the work has raised concerns about avoiding a similar fate as the Big Dig.

Why it matters

The situation with the BQE highlights the complex challenges facing cities with aging infrastructure. The need to balance continued operation with long-term solutions, while avoiding the pitfalls of massively expensive and disruptive projects like the Big Dig, presents a significant policy and logistical hurdle for New York City.

The details

The Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, built in the 1950s-1970s, is now showing its age. A 0.4-mile section known as the triple cantilever is undergoing temporary fixes while officials determine a long-term solution. Under former Mayor Eric Adams, the city's Department of Transportation developed 13 options for addressing the triple cantilever, including proposals for a larger-scale overhaul of the highway. The potential scale of the BQE project has drawn comparisons to Boston's 'Big Dig,' which took two decades to complete and cost nearly $15 billion. The current DOT administration is now evaluating whether to proceed with environmental reviews based on the Adams proposals or pursue a long-term rehabilitation plan, with the goal of completing major work by the end of the decade.

  • Concerns about the BQE's condition have been raised since at least 2018.
  • The five elevators at Yankee Stadium currently undergoing replacement are expected to be operational by the spring of 2027, ideally in time for the Yankees' home opener on April 3.

The players

Ian Coss

Creator of the 'Big Dig' podcast.

Eric Adams

Former Mayor of New York City.

Ydanis Rodriguez

Former Transportation Commissioner for New York City.

Mike Flynn

Current Commissioner of the New York City Department of Transportation.

MTA

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which is responsible for the elevators at Yankee Stadium.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Something has to be done, right? Doing nothing is not an option.”

— Ian Coss, Creator of the 'Big Dig' podcast

“Without significant action, we will demand to undertake disruptive, large-scale and expensive annual repairs and face potential operational changes to the highway.”

— Ydanis Rodriguez, Former Transportation Commissioner for New York City

“We will not kick the can down the road, and major work must be completed by the finish of the decade to prevent the need to divert truck traffic onto local streets.”

— Mike Flynn, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Transportation

What’s next

The current DOT administration is now evaluating whether to proceed with environmental reviews based on the Adams administration's proposals or to pursue a long-term rehabilitation plan for the BQE.

The takeaway

The situation with the aging Brooklyn-Queens Expressway highlights the complex challenges facing cities with outdated infrastructure. New York must balance the need for immediate repairs with long-term, potentially disruptive solutions, while avoiding the pitfalls of massively expensive projects like the Big Dig in Boston.