The state is looking to renovate the section of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway major near Brooklyn Heights over the next 10 years, but locals are concerned about the construction's impact. Borough reporter Jeanine Ramirez filed the following report.

The Brooklyn-Queens Expressway was state of the art some 50 years ago. Yet while there have been capital improvements over the years the structure is starting to feel its age.

"The structure itself represents the design features of 50 years ago, which means there are really no shoulders," said Peter King of the State Department of Transportation. "The acceleration and deceleration for the entrances and exits are extremely inadequate."

The state DOT recently completed an in-depth inspection of a stretch of the BQE from Atlantic Avenue to Sands Street, and found that while the structure is sound, it is due for an upgrade.

Its findings show there are 10 times more accidents here than the statewide average for a comparable interstate highway.

"We want modern pavements, a more modern alignment to the extent that we can get it. Those features all help the motorist to drive more safely," said King.

The DOT is getting ready to start the public review process so it can rehabilitate the highway.

It will be an extensive project, one that's expected to take nearly 10 years to complete, which causes concern for residents of the adjacent neighborhoods like the historic district of Brooklyn Heights.

"We're really really worried about what the impact of the rehabilitation years is going to be on our local streets," said Judy Stanton of the Brooklyn Heights Association.

Motorists already take to the local streets when the BQE gets backed up, but the impact of a such a major construction project could likely be worse.

"Houses will crack. I mean, foundations will suffer," said Stanton. "These little streets cannot accommodate those big trucks."

Still, the Brooklyn Heights Association says it is in favor of the project because of the roadway's deteriorating condition.

The crumbling part of the BQE is one of the last remaining parts yet to be redone on the highway, which stretches from Astoria, Queens to the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel. But it is also the most challenging, given its multiple levels and proximity to historically-significant neighborhoods and the burgeoning Brooklyn Bridge Park.

The first public hearing on this project will be held on Monday, June 22 in the auditorium at the Polytechnic Institute of New York University at 5 Metrotech Center, Brooklyn. The hearing's two different sessions will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. and from 7 to 10 p.m.