Brooklyn Redesigns Linden Boulevard for Safer Transit
Linden Boulevard redesign will add bus islands and traffic signals to reduce crashes
Linden Boulevard Gets Safety Upgrades in Brooklyn
Six Brooklyn bus routes serving 60,000 daily riders will get faster, safer service as part of a major Linden Boulevard redesign in East New York. Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the city's Department of Transportation announced the project will span from Fountain Avenue to Conduit Avenue, targeting a corridor where someone's injured in a traffic crash every four days on average. Construction's expected to begin later this year and wrap up sometime in 2027.
Dangerous Corridor Gets Overhaul
The stretch has recorded 443 traffic injuries between 2021 and 2025, including 15 severe injuries and one death, according to city data. The corridor serves as a critical connection to nearby subway lines, JFK International Airport, Brookdale Hospital, and the Gateway Center shopping complex. Transit officials said the upgrades address longstanding safety concerns while improving bus reliability for riders who depend on the B13, B14, B15, B20, BM5, and Q8 lines. The project focuses on speeding up buses and protecting pedestrians on one of Brooklyn's most dangerous streets.
Eight Bus Islands, New Traffic Signals Planned
The redesign will create eight new bus boarding islands that'll also serve as safe waiting areas for pedestrians crossing the corridor, officials said. Two new signalized intersections will be added at Pine and Emerald streets to shorten crossing distances for pedestrians. Five slip lanes will be closed or redesigned to improve traffic flow and safety. The bus boarding islands will allow riders to board and exit buses without competing with vehicle traffic, while the new signals will give pedestrians safer crossing opportunities at key locations along the corridor.
Construction Starts Later This Year
Construction's expected to begin later this year, with completion targeted for sometime in 2027, according to the Department of Transportation. Officials haven't provided a more specific timeline for when work will start or how construction will be phased along the corridor. The agency typically stages major street redesigns in sections to minimize disruption, though details about staging weren't available by publication time.
What Riders Need to Know
The 60,000 daily riders on the six affected bus routes can expect improved travel times and safer boarding conditions once construction's complete. During construction, riders should anticipate potential detours and service adjustments, though officials haven't released specific details about temporary changes. Moovit provides real-time updates for Brooklyn bus routes, including service alerts and alternative routing during construction periods.
