NEW TZ OFFICIALLY BEGINS CONSTRUCTION

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Wednesday announced the beginning of formal construction of the New NY Bridge to replace the Tappan Zee with installation of the first permanent piles that will comprise the foundation of the new bridge. The bridge is scheduled to be completed in just under five years.

“This week, we are putting shovels in the ground and starting formal construction on a new bridge to replace the Tappan Zee, the largest infrastructure project New York State has undertaken in decades,” Governor Cuomo said. “After more than a decade of delay, New York State has moved this project forward at a dramatic pace while working with the community, involving the public and protecting the local environment. Once completed, drivers in Rockland, Westchester and surrounding areas will finally have a safer, less congested bridge that will include a walkway for pedestrians and bikers and accommodates future mass transit.”

The bridge will have eight traffic lanes, four breakdown/emergency lanes, and state-of-the-art traffic monitoring systems, as well as a dedicated commuter bus lane from the day it opens. Designed and constructed to be mass-transit-ready, the new crossing will be able to accommodate bus rapid transit, light rail or commuter rail. The twin-span bridge will also include a bike and pedestrian path.

The first of several construction cameras has been installed and can be accessed on the project website, NewNYbridge.com, under the ‘Construction Cameras’ icon. The public can stay up-to-date on the progress of the New NY Bridge with views from this construction camera and the interactive archive calendar.

Construction Timeline

· Dredging to prepare for bridge construction is ongoing until November 1, and will also take place during August, September and October, 2014.

· October 2013: Main span permanent pile installation begins

· November 2013: Permanent pile installation begins for approaches

· March 2014: Work begins on approach substructure

· June 2014: Work begins on main span substructure

· September 2014: Work begins for erection of superstructure

· Late 2014 / early 2015: Work begins on cable stay installation

· Late 2016: Complete north span

· December 2016: Relocate westbound traffic to new north span

· February 2017: Relocate existing eastbound traffic to new north span

· February 2017: Start demolition of existing bridge

· Late 2017: Both spans complete

· November 2017: Relocate eastbound traffic from new north span to new south span

· April 2018: Physical completion of project

· July 2018: Final acceptance of project

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