New Tappan Zee Bridge Rises Over the Hudson

We ran into Andrew O'Rourke, the Public Outreach Administrator for the new Tappan Zee Bridge at the Heathcote STEAM fair on Saturday. He was filled with fascinating facts about the construction of the new Tappan Zee Bridge, which is now 65% complete. Though for a while it didn't look like much was happening at the site, O'Rourke explained that 22% of the project was built below the water. But now that the foundation piles are in place, work on the two side-by-side bridges is moving swiftly.

To date, over 5,000 people have been involved in the work which is a design/build project comprised of modular units, most delivered via water on the river beneath the bridge. Another interesting fact to note is that all of the materials used on the bridge are from American sources, with the stone used for the concrete coming right from Rockland County. The total cost for the bridge will be $3.9 billion for a bridge that is scheduled to last 100 years. The original bridge opened in 1956 and was built at a cost of $80 million. It only lasted 60 years because, at the time, the Korean War put a strain on resources and light steel was used. The brackish water surrounding the water caused it to weather and age.

The new twin bridges will each have four full 12-foot wide travel lanes, which are wider than the existing traffic lanes. One side will include a 25-foot shoulder for express bus service and the other will have a 12-foot shoulder that will include four lanes for bikers, joggers and walkers. Though the new bridge will not transport trains at the outset, it can accommodate a rail bridge in the 40-foot gap between the two bridges when the time is right.

Most intriguing are six scenic overlooks, or belvederes that are each 60 feet long and 24 feet wide. This will allow bikers and walkers to enjoy the view along the 3.1 mile span. Each overlook is themed to relate to the history and culture of Westchester and Rockland. The belvedere overlooking Nyack is called "Fish and Ship," relating to Nyack's history as a fishing and ship building town.

Another lookout will include a parabolic, stainless steel mirror which will be tilted to give viewers a look at the New York City skyline. "Painters Point" includes a 14 by 20 foot copper frame, framing the view of the shoreline and Hook Mountain. The project includes a translucent glass greeting area with a café and amphitheater to shelter visitors and provide a venue for information and lectures.

Plans call for the completion of the northern roadway by the summer of 2017. At that point, all traffic will be diverted to temporary eight-lane configuration while the old bridge is taken down and the southern bridge is completed. The entire project is expected to be completed by the summer of 2018.

Learn more about the new bridge at www.newnybridge.com.