Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE/I-278)
The Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE), designated as Interstate 278 (I-278), is one of the most heavily traveled highways in New York City. Stretching from the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in Brooklyn through Queens and into the Bronx, the BQE serves as a vital artery connecting Staten Island, Brooklyn, and Queens to Manhattan, Long Island, and beyond. For Long Island drivers, the BQE provides key connections to the Long Island Expressway (I-495), Grand Central Parkway, and major bridges into Manhattan and the Bronx.
History
- Origins: Proposed by master planner Robert Moses in the mid-20th century as part of New York’s postwar highway expansion.
- Construction: Built in segments between the 1940s and 1960s. The most famous section – the triple cantilever in Brooklyn Heights – was completed in the 1950s.
- Upgrades: The expressway has undergone numerous repairs and renovations due to its aging infrastructure and heavy daily use.
- Current Issues: Portions of the BQE, particularly the Brooklyn Heights section, are in need of major reconstruction to address structural concerns.
Route Description
- Southern Terminus: Begins at the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, connecting Staten Island to Brooklyn.
- Through Brooklyn: Runs past Bay Ridge, Sunset Park, Gowanus, Downtown Brooklyn, and Williamsburg.
- Through Queens: Continues through Maspeth and Woodside, intersecting with the Long Island Expressway (I-495) and Grand Central Parkway.
- Northern Terminus: Merges into the Major Deegan Expressway (I-87) and Bruckner Expressway (I-278) in the Bronx.
Major Connections
- Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge – Link to Staten Island.
- Gowanus Expressway (I-278) – Southern Brooklyn connection.
- Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel / Hugh L. Carey Tunnel – Access to Lower Manhattan.
- Williamsburg Bridge / Manhattan Bridge / Brooklyn Bridge – Crossings into Manhattan.
- Long Island Expressway (I-495) – Key route to Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties.
- Grand Central Parkway / RFK (Triborough) Bridge – Connections to the Bronx, Harlem, and LaGuardia Airport.
Importance for Long Island Travelers
- Gateway to Manhattan: Provides connections from Long Island Expressway to Manhattan bridges and tunnels.
- Link to Airports: Essential for reaching LaGuardia Airport via the Grand Central Parkway.
- Commuter Corridor: Tens of thousands of Long Island residents use the BQE daily to reach jobs in New York City.
- Freight & Commerce: The BQE is also a critical trucking corridor for goods moving through NYC and Long Island.
Challenges
- Traffic Congestion: One of the most congested highways in the country, especially during rush hours.
- Aging Infrastructure: Sections like the Brooklyn Heights cantilever are deteriorating and require major rehabilitation.
- Environmental Concerns: Heavy traffic contributes to air quality and noise issues in surrounding neighborhoods.
Exit Listing – Brooklyn–Queens Expressway (I-278)
| Exit | Destination / Connection | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 17 | Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge / Belt Parkway | Southern entrance to BQE from Staten Island & Belt Pkwy |
| 18 | Fort Hamilton Parkway | Local Brooklyn access |
| 20 | Prospect Expressway (NY 27) | Connection to Park Slope & Flatbush |
| 21 | Atlantic Avenue | Access to Downtown Brooklyn |
| 22 | Cadman Plaza West / Brooklyn Bridge | Entrance to Lower Manhattan |
| 23 | Flushing Avenue / Navy Yard | Brooklyn Navy Yard access |
| 24 | Williamsburg Bridge | Bridge crossing into Manhattan |
| 25 | Broadway (Williamsburg) | Local Brooklyn exits |
| 26 | Metropolitan Avenue | Williamsburg / Greenpoint access |
| 27 | Meeker Avenue / Kosciuszko Bridge | Connection to Queens via Kosciuszko Bridge |
| 29 | Long Island Expressway (I-495) / Queens Midtown Tunnel | Key exit for Long Island commuters |
| 30 | Grand Central Parkway / LaGuardia Airport | Link to GCP, LGA, and Northern Queens |
| 35 | RFK (Triborough) Bridge / Astoria Blvd | Connection to Bronx, Harlem, Manhattan |
| 46 | Major Deegan Expressway (I-87) / Bruckner Expressway | Merge into Bron |
Area Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Designation | I-278 |
| Length | ~16 miles (Brooklyn–Queens segment) |
| Opened | 1940s–1960s (in segments) |
| Endpoints | Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge to Bronx (via Triborough Bridge/I-87) |
| Key Links | LIE (I-495), GCP, Triborough, Verrazzano-Narrows |
| Notable Feature | Brooklyn Heights triple cantilever section |
The Brooklyn-Queens Expressway is one of New York City’s most essential – and most burdened – highways. As both a commuter lifeline and a freight corridor, the BQE connects Long Island to Manhattan, the Bronx, and beyond. While its aging infrastructure poses challenges, its importance to the daily life of New Yorkers and Long Islanders alike cannot be overstated.
