FAQs
During our engagement events, we have heard from you about the following priority topics. We will continue to add information as new questions emerge.
Projects like the IBX take many years to plan, design, and construct. We started planning for this project in 2019 and are currently in the design phase of the project, which is expected to last about two years. During this phase, we’ll get a better understanding of future phases, staging, and logistics, including final design and construction. The exact timeline will depend on the design details and funding.
For example, multiple bridges along the corridor will need to be rebuilt to carry the IBX, which will require collaboration with the city and state. We're comparing multiple construction methods that would expedite the construction timeline, minimizing disruptions to the surrounding neighborhoods and city.
In parallel to the design phase, we are also doing the environmental review. A full analysis of construction impacts is underway and will be included in the Environmental Impact Study (EIS), which assesses the potential environmental, social, and economic effects of proposed government or infrastructure projects.
As the project continues to progress, we are committed to meeting with elected officials and community groups to devise construction plans that strive to minimize any potential concerns while balancing cost and schedule considerations. There will be numerous public meetings in Brooklyn and Queens (in-person and virtually) to communicate progress, details, and impacts.
The MTA is developing a resilience plan to manage stormwater and mitigate flood impacts along the corridor. In partnership with NYCDEP, the MTA is evaluating stormwater modeling and examining existing system connections with future plans to ensure the IBX system provides public safety and operational resilience during storm events.
Sustainability strategies closer to construction will also explore opportunities to enhance biodiversity through appropriate planting and landscape design, while ensuring compatibility with project infrastructure and operations.
We’re working with Con Edison to make sure the existing power grid can support the IBX and identify opportunities for improvements that benefit the surrounding communities. The electrical system is being designed with safety, reliability, and strong train performance in mind. The IBX power is not expected to draw from the residential electrical supply.
Designs will include backup power and resiliency features. More details on the number, locations, and potential community impacts of substations will be included in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, which will be available for public review and comment in late 2026. Mitigation measures will be implemented if needed.
The IBX is located in an existing freight rail corridor. This will minimize the need for property acquisitions. However, some acquisitions, either full or partial, will be necessary. Our priority is to minimize any property impacts, especially any impacts to residential properties. When acquisitions are needed, we will comply with all applicable laws.
We are currently surveying the corridor to understand existing conditions and identify property limits, which will inform the design of the IBX. Specific property impacts will be identified as we get further along in the design process and will be included in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, which will be available for public review and comment in late 2026.
We are currently studying potential noise impacts using data and modeling to project future noise levels along the corridor. This includes construction and operational noise. If the projected noise exceeds a certain threshold, mitigation may be required. If we determine they are necessary, noise mitigation might include the installation of double-paned windows in affected buildings or installing noise walls in such areas. The IBX is also already an active freight corridor, and light rail is significantly quieter, which is a benefit of this new infrastructure.
Potential noise and air quality impacts from IBX construction and operations will be included in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, which will be available for public review and comment in late 2026. Mitigation measures will be implemented if needed.