Fifth Avenue Bridge rehabilitation begins September 8, prepare for delays as traffic shifts for five months

The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) will begin work on the 5th Avenue Bridge over the Long Island Rail Road and Sea Beach (N) line on Monday, September 8, 2025. The five-month project will affect both 5th Avenue traffic between 64th and 65th streets and the traffic pattern on 65th Street between 4th and 6th avenues.

On 5th Avenue, all traffic will be shifted to the northbound side of the bridge, with one travel lane in each direction remaining open. Both sidewalks will stay accessible to pedestrians.

On 65th Street — the divided roadway sandwiched between the BQE viaduct and the LIRR/N train cut — the south side will be closed. Eastbound motorists will be directed onto the north side, which will carry two-way traffic for the duration of construction. One lane in each direction will be maintained, but drivers should expect congestion in the underpass area.

Traffic Enforcement Agents will be assigned to help manage vehicle flow, and parking restrictions will remain in place. DOT advises drivers and residents to prepare for delays and to plan alternate routes when possible.

The rehabilitation is part of Stage 1 of a larger effort to maintain and upgrade infrastructure in southern Brooklyn. Officials say the work is necessary to ensure the safety and reliability of the bridge and adjacent roadway, which are critical connectors for Sunset Park and the surrounding area.

The project is scheduled to run 24 hours a day, seven days a week, through early 2026.

The Sunset Post will provide updates as the work progresses. Residents seeking more information can also contact DOT’s community liaison for the project, Brian Zumhagen, at (917) 200-2671 or dot5thavenuebridge@gmail.com.