The Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) is a major highway located in New York City, connecting the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens. The notoriously congested expressway runs through some of the densest, most urbanized portions of the city, and has been a source of tremendous headaches and frustration, especially during rush hour traffic. Work is currently underway to repair the expressway, with lane closures reducing the number of lanes from five to three in the eastbound direction. But the question still remains: Could the BQE return to six lanes of traffic?
A Closer Look at the BQE Traffic Situation
With more than 80,000 vehicles traveling on the BQE during peak hours, it was becoming increasingly congested before the repairs began. This congestion caused a number of problems, from slower travel times to air pollution. The current lane configuration has had a noticeable effect on travel times, with the number of cars traveling more than 10 mph below the speed limit decreasing from 43 percent to 8 percent after the lane closures.
The Benefits of Six Lanes
There are many advantages to having six lanes on the BQE. Firstly, it would reduce congestion, as there would be more room for cars to move. Secondly, it would allow for the introduction of bus-only lanes that could provide a faster, reliable alternative to private vehicle travel. Thirdly, it would also improve conditions for cyclists and pedestrians, as there would be more room for dedicated lanes and crossings. Finally, six lanes would reduce the risk of traffic collisions, as there would be less congestion in the existing lanes.
Problems With Six Lanes
While there are some positive aspects to having six lanes on the BQE, there are also some potential drawbacks. Firstly, widening the expressway could mean the destruction of properties that lie in its path. Secondly, it could be a costly undertaking, with estimates ranging from $2 billion to $4 billion. Finally, there is the issue of air pollution. The expressway is already one of the main contributors of air pollution in the city, and adding more lanes could only exacerbate the problem.
Alternatives to the BQE
Another solution to the congestion problem is to look at alternatives to the BQE. One proposal is to build a high-speed rail line that would connect Brooklyn and Queens. This could significantly reduce the number of cars on the expressway, and provide a faster, more reliable form of transit. Another proposal is to invest in bike lanes and public transportation, providing more reliable and efficient options for commuters. These are some of the alternatives that could be considered, in lieu of expanding the number of lanes on the expressway.
The BQE is a major artery that connects two of the busiest boroughs in New York City. It has suffered from significant congestion for years, and the current lane closures have helped somewhat but not resolved the underlying issue. The question then remains: Could the BQE return to six lanes of traffic? While there are some potential benefits, such as reducing congestion and improving safety, there are also drawbacks, such as the destruction of properties and the potential increase in air pollution. Ultimately, some form of compromise must be reached, whether it be through the implementation of the proposed alternatives or some other solution.
