NYC News Network | Local News Across New York City
A major redesign of Flatbush Avenue is now underway in Brooklyn, introducing center-running bus lanes and safety upgrades aimed at improving transit for more than 132,000 daily riders. Led by the New York City Department of Transportation, the project will also add pedestrian space and reduce traffic risks along one of the borough’s busiest corridors. Construction will continue through fall 2026 as part of a broader effort to modernize New York City’s bus network.
A major redesign of Flatbush Avenue is now underway in Brooklyn, aiming to improve bus speeds, increase pedestrian safety, and transform one of the borough’s busiest corridors into a more efficient, people-focused street. The project targets more than 132,000 daily bus riders while addressing long-standing traffic and safety concerns.
The initiative, first outlined in an <a href=”https://nycnewswire.com/news/flatbush-ave-bus-lanes-project-begins-brooklyn”>official press release distributed via NYC Newswire, reflects a broader push to modernize public transportation across New York City.
Construction has officially begun on the Flatbush Avenue redesign, led by New York City Department of Transportation. The project introduces center-running bus lanes and new street designs aimed at speeding up service and improving overall traffic flow.
“Today we begin a major project to deliver faster buses and safer streets on Brooklyn’s Flatbush Avenue,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “This redesign will help change the look and feel of the street, transforming it from a highway-like roadway into more of a neighborhood street that finally puts people first.”
“Faster, more reliable service and a safer Flatbush Avenue for all — that’s what this project delivers,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “We’re working with NYCDOT to bring the same improvements to key corridors across the City.”
Currently, bus speeds on Flatbush Avenue can drop as low as four miles per hour. The redesign aims to significantly improve travel times for major routes including the B41, B67, B69, B63, B45, and B103.
The Flatbush Avenue project will move forward in four phases while maintaining traffic access.
Phase 1 includes the removal of pedestrian islands at Flatbush Avenue and Atlantic Avenue.
Phase 2 involves reconstruction of one side of the avenue.
Phase 3 shifts work to the opposite side of the roadway.
Phase 4 completes final markings, signals, and street elements.
Construction is expected to continue through fall 2026. Officials advise drivers to use alternate routes or public transit during this period.
The redesign will introduce major safety upgrades along Flatbush Avenue.
These include:
Previous NYC DOT projects show strong results. Bus speeds increased by up to 43 percent on similar corridors, while injuries declined significantly in redesigned areas.
Local leaders and transportation advocates strongly support the Flatbush Avenue redesign.
“The Flatbush Avenue project, led by the incredible people at the New York City Department of Transportation, is so exciting for the Brooklyn community. Over 100,000 New Yorkers ride the buses on Flatbush Avenue daily, but slow speeds can really harm commute times,” said Congressman Dan Goldman. “This project will not only vastly improve bus speeds, but also increase public safety. Every great city depends on safe and effective public transportation, and in the greatest city in the world, I’m thrilled we’re taking the steps to improve ours.”
“Flatbush Avenue is the thread that stitches together so much of Brooklyn, but its outdated design means it often serves as a barrier instead of a connector. Our communities deserve better,” said State Senator Andrew Gounardes. “This redesign is an opportunity to offer faster, more reliable service to bus riders, and to make this street safer and better for everyone who uses it. Today, we take a step toward transforming Flatbush Avenue from a traffic-clogged nightmare into a transportation dream: a street that works for all New Yorkers. Thanks to the Mayor and NYCDOT for moving quickly to make this important idea into reality.”
“It’s great to see DOT breaking ground on this important project. I applaud Mayor Mamdani and Commissioner Flynn for their commitment to making our buses faster and more reliable,” said Assemblymember Robert Carroll. “I have long advocated for measures to make our streets safer for everyone and to ensure that the MTA has the funding it needs to maintain and improve our public transportation system. This work will both improve bus service and improve street safety along the vital Flatbush Avenue corridor.”
“For the more than 130,000 New Yorkers who rely on Flatbush Avenue every day, today’s groundbreaking is a major step toward faster, more reliable bus service and safer streets,” said Council Member Shahana Hanif. “Brooklyn’s first-ever center-running bus lane is a transformative investment in transit riders, especially those of us who cannot use our inaccessible subways. This project is the result of years of advocacy from riders and community members. I’m proud to celebrate this milestone and will stay closely engaged throughout construction to keep my constituents informed.”
“Every day, tens of thousands of Brooklynites rely on Flatbush Avenue to get where they need to go. They deserve better than buses that sit in traffic and run behind schedule,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “I’m grateful to DOT for investing in a project that puts riders first, and excited to see Brooklyn build on this momentum. The Flatbush Avenue Bus Priority Project is a step in the right direction—now it’s time to keep pushing to make borough-wide bus rapid transit a reality.”
Transportation advocates say the Flatbush Avenue redesign represents a major shift in how the city prioritizes bus riders.
“Flatbush bus riders fought for and won transformative improvements along the slowest stretch of the spine of Brooklyn,” said Riders Alliance Senior Organizer Jolyse Race. “This project marks a major step forward in the fight for better buses, replacing business-as-usual with the kind of robust infrastructure riders deserve. It will speed up service, improve transit access, and make crossing Flatbush Avenue safer for everyone. We applaud the Mamdani administration for moving ahead on Flatbush and we are eager for what’s to come.”
“Brooklynites deserves fast and reliable bus service, and we’re thrilled that DOT’s Flatbush Avenue redesign is breaking ground today,” said Transportation Alternatives Executive Director Ben Furnas. ‘This project is a great example of bus improvements and street safety going together: it will improve the commutes of 132,000 daily riders and also create 29,000 square feet of new pedestrian space on the corridor — that’s a lot more room for New Yorkers, whether they’re hopping on the bus or just walking down Flatbush!”
The Flatbush Avenue redesign is part of a wider effort to improve bus service across New York City.
Projects are also underway on major corridors in Manhattan and the Bronx. These upgrades aim to make buses faster, more reliable, and safer for riders.
As part of ongoing NYC transportation updates, the Flatbush Avenue project signals continued investment in transit infrastructure that prioritizes public mobility and street safety.
Construction on Flatbush Avenue will continue in phases through fall 2026.
Additional upgrades, including final street markings and infrastructure elements, will be completed in the final stage.
Further details were first outlined in an official press release distributed via NYC Newswire.
What is the Flatbush Avenue project?
It is a major street redesign adding bus lanes and safety improvements in Brooklyn.
Why is it important?
It will improve bus speeds, reduce travel time, and enhance pedestrian safety.
When will construction be completed?
The project is expected to finish in fall 2026.