Rendering of Flatbush Avenue at Fourth Avenue following NYC DOT's transformative redesign of the corridor. Credit: NYC DOT
NEW YORK - Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Mike Flynn today announced reconstruction of Flatbush Avenue will begin in the last week of April, weather permitting, delivering a redesign aimed at dramatically improving bus speeds and commute reliability for 132,000 daily bus riders.
"Time is money, and too often, our city has taken both from working people who rely on our buses," said Mayor Mamdani. "These center-running bus lanes will give New Yorkers back something precious: time with their families, time at work, time in their communities. Long waits and unreliable service are not inevitable - they are the result of political choices. Today, we are choosing a system that puts bus riders first and builds safer streets for everyone."
"Delivering this redesign means improving the lives of 132,000 bus riders every single day," said Deputy Mayor for Operations Julia Kerson. "These are the types of projects that New Yorkers want and deserve, and I look forward to seeing this next phase of reconstruction advance later this month."
"It can often be as fast to walk as it is to take a bus on Flatbush Avenue - and with over 100,000 riders relying on the bus to get around, that must change. The new Flatbush Avenue offers a bold blueprint to speed up buses and deliver safer streets," said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. "We look forward to getting to work this spring and we appreciate New Yorkers' patience as we deliver this critical improvement for Brooklyn."
Following extensive public outreach, NYC DOT will resume the installation of center-running bus lanes on Flatbush Avenue, which began last fall, between Livingston Street and Grand Army Plaza. The redesign will serve the B41, one of Brooklyn's busiest bus routes, as well as the B67, B69, B63, B45 and B103.
NYC DOT has seen similar designs deliver strong results elsewhere. On 161st Street in the Bronx, bus speeds increased by up to 43%. On Edward L. Grant Highway, pedestrian and cycling injuries decreased by 29%, with total injuries down 17%.
The Flatbush Avenue project will also include dedicated loading zones, safety improvements and 29,000 square feet of new pedestrian space.
Construction is expected to continue into fall 2026. Drivers are encouraged to use alternative routes, take mass transit or allow additional travel time.
CONSTRUCTION PHASING
NYC DOT will complete the project in four phases, while maintaining general vehicle access. Work will begin with removal of two concrete pedestrian islands, followed by reconstruction of each half of the avenue to preserve two-way traffic on one side at all times.
- Phase 1: Removal of two concrete islands at Flatbush Avenue and Atlantic Avenue.
- Phase 2: Reconstruction of one side, including removal of existing roadway markings, installation of concrete elements and the addition of temporary markings, bus stops and reroutes.
- Phase 3: Reconstruction of the opposite side.
- Phase 4: Installation of final markings, signage, signals and street elements, including bike corrals and flexible posts.
NYC DOT will maintain clear signage and protections throughout construction to ensure safe travel for drivers and safe conditions for work crews.
"This is a chance to not just offer faster, more reliable service to bus riders, but to make this street safer and better for everyone who uses it," said State Senator Andrew Gounardes. "Right now, Flatbush Avenue is a dangerous, traffic-clogged nightmare that doesn't work for anyone. Brooklynites deserve much better, and this redesign will transform the street into a space that actually meets the needs of the people and businesses that rely on it. Thanks to the Mayor and NYC DOT for their work to move this exciting project forward."
"My constituents - including me - depend on mass transit to get them where they need to go," said State Senator Zellnor Myrie. "I'm grateful to the Mayor and DOT for prioritizing faster, better service for bus commuters on Flatbush Avenue."
"Flatbush Avenue is a lifeline for tens of thousands of Brooklyn residents who depend on the bus every single day, from point A to point B and everywhere in between," said Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest. "I'm looking forward to working with DOT to ensure faster service on Flatbush Avenue. Our riders deserve it."
"For the more than 130,000 people who rely on Flatbush Avenue every day, this project puts bus riders first with faster, more reliable service and safer streets," said Council Member Shahana Hanif. "This is what prioritizing everyday New Yorkers who depend on buses looks like. Center-running bus lanes will speed up commutes, improve reliability and make our streets safer. This didn't happen by accident. Riders and our constituents organized and demanded real transit priority and this project reflects that advocacy. Our office will stay closely engaged through construction to make sure this delivers for our community."
"Despite buses moving at a crawl, the Flatbush Avenue bus lane has 70,000 daily riders who live, work and shop in Downtown Brooklyn," said Council Member Lincoln Restler. "Just imagine how many Brooklynites will hop on the bus on Flatbush after DOT boldly fixes Flatbush with dedicated bus lanes that deliver the faster bus service we deserve."
"Flatbush bus riders organized and demanded faster service and now the Department of Transportation is delivering major improvements," said Jolyse Race, Senior Organizer, Riders Alliance. "Bus riders can't afford to lose precious time to slow traffic. Dedicated lanes down the center of the spine of Brooklyn show us the respect and dignity we deserve. Boarding islands transform the street with demonstrated safety benefits and prove that much better buses are possible all across New York. We look forward to working with the Mamdani administration to save lots of time and improve riders' lives citywide."
"Riders on one of Brooklyn's busiest bus corridors cheer today's announcement," said Brian Fritsch, Associate Director, Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA (PCAC). "Not only will riders see faster, more reliable trips, but so many in the area will also benefit from a far safer Flatbush Ave. Congratulations to Mayor Mamdani and Commissioner Flynn on taking action to deliver this critical project to New Yorkers."
"We're thrilled that the Flatbush Avenue bus project is continuing to move forward, speeding up commutes for 132,000 daily riders," said Elizabeth Adams, Deputy Executive Director for Public Affairs, Transportation Alternatives. "With center-running lanes, concrete bus boarding islands and brand-new signals, this bus lane will move New Yorkers more efficiently and safely - and new loading zones and increased pedestrian space will ensure clear bus lanes and an easier walk to the bus stop. We're excited to ride a faster B41 bus, and we hope to complement this project with a new and improved Grand Army Plaza."
"Flatbush Avenue is one of the busiest corridors in Brooklyn, with over 100k New Yorkers using it to get to school and work every day," said Sara Lind, Co-Executive Director, Open Plans. "As we look to reduce driving in the city, it's critical that people have fast and reliable ways to get around. Center-running bus lanes like this are a critical step on the path towards Bus Rapid Transit. We commend the Mamdani administration for prioritizing bus riders and smart street design in service of a livable city."
"The implementation of center-running bus lanes on Flatbush Avenue will be a game-changer for tens of thousands of riders who rely every day on the B41 and other Flatbush bus routes to get where they need to go," said Eric McClure, Executive Director, StreetsPAC. "For too long, New Yorkers who count on the bus have been treated like second-class citizens, but this new design configuration will significantly upgrade daily commutes. We applaud Mayor Mamdani for taking this important step to deliver on his promise of faster buses."
