Mayor Mamdani Advances Redesign of Flatbush Avenue for Faster Buses, Better Reliability, Improved Safety

 

Project will add physically protected, center-running bus lanes from Livingston Street to Grand Army Plaza  

 

Drivers are encouraged to use alternative routes, take mass transit or allow additional travel time during construction  

Rendering of Flatbush Avenue at Fourth Avenue following NYC DOT’s transformative redesign of the corridor. Credit: NYC DOT 

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.