Drivers in Queens will face a significant detour as the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) announced the long-term closure of the Main Street Bridge entrance to the southbound Van Wyck Expressway (I-678).
The closure started on Wednesday morning, Nov. 13 and the bridge entrance will remain closed through approximately Wednesday morning, Jan. 22, 2025, as part of ongoing work for NYSDOT’s Van Wyck Expressway Capacity and Access Improvements Project.
The closure, weather permitting, will support the demolition of the existing bridge structure, paving the way for improved traffic flow and enhanced capacity on one of Queens’ busiest expressways. During this time, drivers attempting to access the southbound Van Wyck Expressway via Main Street will be directed to follow a marked detour route, which NYSDOT advises is essential to avoid potential backups and ensure driver safety.
This infrastructure improvement is part of a larger, multi-phase project designed to address chronic congestion and improve accessibility along the Van Wyck Expressway. The expressway, which connects major transit points like John F. Kennedy International Airport and the Grand Central Parkway, has long been a bottleneck for Queens commuters. By expanding lanes and optimizing exits, the project aims to ease the significant delays that have impacted both local and regional traffic for years.
The closure may disrupt travel for those in surrounding neighborhoods, including Kew Gardens and Flushing, as motorists will need to adjust routes, adding extra time to daily commutes. Additionally, residents and local businesses might experience increased traffic congestion on side streets as drivers navigate the detour.
The NYSDOT advises that inclement weather could affect the closure schedule, and motorists are encouraged to stay updated by following @NYSDOT and @NYSDOT_NYC on Twitter and Facebook.
In an effort to prioritize safety, drivers are also reminded that fines are doubled in work zones and multiple speeding violations in these areas could result in the suspension of driving privileges.
