You are reading

Queens Boulevard Redesign, Two Years Behind Schedule, Delayed Once Again Due to Pandemic

Transit Advocates at a past rally urging the mayor to finish the Queens Boulevard Redesign project (Transportation Alternatives – Queens)

May 13, 2020 By Allie Griffin

The final stretch of the Queens Boulevard Redesign project has hit yet another setback — this time in the form of a global pandemic.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) was planning to begin construction of the fourth and final phase to make the busy boulevard safer for cyclists and pedestrians this summer — with the project expected to be completed by the end of 2020.

The project — already a full two years behind schedule — will be further delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg said during a City Council hearing Tuesday.

The redesign must be reviewed by the State Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration before the NYC DOT can move forward with construction — and that review process has been paused due to the pandemic.

“As the Commissioner said at the hearing, that process had been on track, but has been delayed due to the Covid-19 crisis,” a DOT spokesperson said. “Once that review is complete, DOT will be able to provide a more detailed timeline for implementing this critical safety project.”

The DOT was expected to begin installing protected bicycle lanes, shortening pedestrian crossings and implementing other traffic safety features to the Forest Hills stretch from Yellowstone Boulevard to Union Turnpike in summer 2018 — but the work was pushed back to summer 2020.

The final phase has been repeatedly delayed due to opposition from the local community board and Council Member Karen Koslowitz who said the resulting loss of 200 parking spots would hurt small businesses along the boulevard.

Koslowitz put forward an alternative plan, which would save the parking spots, at a town hall with the mayor in February, which he agreed to review. However, transit advocates claimed her plan was unsafe and worried its review would add to the delays.

The department still hopes to begin the installation later this year.

“DOT remains committed to the Queens Boulevard redesign, and hopes to be able to implement the project starting later this year,” the spokesperson said.

The revamp will be the final phase of the 7.5-mile overhaul of Queens Boulevard, from Sunnyside to Kew Gardens, that began in 2015 in order to reduce the number of pedestrian and cyclists deaths along the road.

Queens Boulevard Redesign (DOT)

email the author: news@queenspost.com

5 Comments

Click for Comments 
Immediate attention:

anyone who refers to Forest Hills as “FoHi” is a gentrifier and should immediately throw themselves in front of the F train…Thank you in advance

Reply
COCED

Good thing out of this – we all will become slalom specialists, weaving through those striped cones to pass double parked cars, trucks, vans. Just make sure not to hit a rare cyclist while going on a bike dedicated lane.

1
1
Reply
Sara Ross

I’ve said this before and I will say it again and again. Bicyclists don’t pay meters, tolls, insurance, inspection,registration,license, parking, gas (all contribute to NYs economy. By taking away a lane, it’s hard for cars, trucks, FDNY, NYPD, ambulances and buses to get through, especially if there is a double parked vehicle. This is a driving and walking city. If you want to bike everywhere go to the suburbs or upstate.

4
3
Reply
Franke George

Good news. The entire project from L.I.E to Yellowstone ruined the neighborhood.

11
1
Reply
FoHi Resident

Data surrounding the significant increase in cyclists city-wide during covid should further support this much needed and long-overdue initiative.

4
9
Reply

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

May races in Queens: JFK Airport 5K, Forest Park trail classic and a Queensborough 5K

May. 16, 2025 By Paulina Albarracin

The energy of May is on full display across Queens, with a lineup of local races that invite runners of all levels to hit the pavement and the trails. With mild temperatures and sunny skies setting the stage, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the spring weather before the summer heat sets in. From the Forest Park 4 Mile Road and Trail Classic to the festive Great Hawaiian Luau 5K at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, these events offer more than just a workout—they foster community spirit and personal growth. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen before lacing up and heading out. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or new to the sport, these May races offer a chance to challenge yourself and connect with others in motion.

Mayor Adams marks one year of ‘Padlock to Protect’ with pizza and progress in Queens

Mayor Eric Adams marked the one-year anniversary of the launch of the city’s “Operation Padlock to Protect” initiative at a pizzeria on the Rego Park and Middle Village border on Wednesday and touted the significant progress in shutting down more than 1,400 illegal smoke shops across the five boroughs and seizing more than $95 million in illegal product since last May.

“The city was fed up. We heard it at every town hall. This time last year, there were thousands of illegal smoke shops plaguing our city with unlicensed cannabis endangering our children,” Adams said. “One year later, we are proud to announce that we have turned the tide. Thanks to the tireless efforts by our city’s law enforcement officers, we’ve padlocked thousands of illegal shops and created safer streets for children and families. But we’re not stopping there.”