September 26, 2008
The State of New York says the 50-year old Tappen Zee Bridge, one of
the busiest spans across the Hudson River, should be replaced. The
state Transportation Department recommends spending $6.4 billion on a
new bridge connecting Rockland and Westchester counties.
The recommendation was crafted with input from the State Thruway Authority and Metropolitan Transportation Authority Metro-North Railroad, and includes a provision for a transit-ready bridge and that bus rapid transit and commuter rail transit be added to the corridor.
The proposal was announced at a news conference in Tarrytown, NY after the Tappan Zee Bridge/I-287 Corridor Environmental Review project team briefed the Westchester Rockland Tappan Zee Futures Task Force, which had been appointed by the two county executives.
The proposal calls for a complete replacement of the existing bridge and the construction of a bus rapid transit system along the 30-mile highway corridor across Rockland and Westchester counties in the lower Hudson Valley.Bus rapid transit would be operational when the new bridge opens. The proposal also recommends a commuter rail transit system across Rockland County and the new Tappan Zee Bridge to provide New York City commuters access to Grand Central Terminal.
"The Tappan Zee Bridge is a vital link in the transportation network of New York State. It is a central part of life for people in this part of the state and, with planning and foresight, we can make even better use of this stretch over the Hudson River," said New York Governor David A. Paterson. "I am pleased the project team and the county executives have come to resolution on the best way to move forward. Focusing on New York State's critical infrastructure needs must continue even during this challenging economic time, as these projects keep our economies strong and our state thriving."
The bridge was opened December 15, 1955, and spans the Hudson at its widest point. In recent years, the 16,000 foot span has been a major congestion points for New York commuters.
