Mamdani Greenlights Long-Delayed Third Avenue Safety Overhaul in Brooklyn

Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced on October 28 that his administration would proceed with a long-delayed safety overhaul of Third Avenue in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, targeting completion by the end of 2028 with construction beginning in 2027. The 2.1-mile project spans from 20th to 62nd Streets beneath the Gowanus Expressway — a corridor where city records show 17 people have been killed in traffic crashes over the past decade. The redesign includes barrier-protected bike lanes along the centre median, pedestrian islands, sidewalk extensions, and redesigned intersections. According to DOT, the changes would reduce the distance pedestrians must cross through moving traffic by up to half. The project was first proposed in 2023 but was shelved in April 2025 under former Mayor Eric Adams. The announcement came shortly after nurse Jiayi Zheng, 28, was killed in a hit-and-run at Third Avenue and 55th Street on August 29, renewing public pressure for action. DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn said the first phase, covering 62nd to 43rd Streets, will address some of the corridor's most dangerous intersections, including Third Avenue and 60th Street, which recorded 72 injuries and one death over the past five years.