Rockland County’s Marine 2 is one of many patrol units monitoring the construction zone and encouraging all boaters to obey established U.S. Coast Guard safety protocols.
With the 2015 recreational boating season hitting full stride this weekend as boaters celebrate Independence Day on the water, the New NY Bridge project team and local law enforcement officials remain committed to helping all boaters navigate safely near the work area. Boaters are reminded to be extra vigilant around commercial vessels and the construction zone, especially the no-wake low-speed zone at the Tappan Zee Bridge.
“As we enter the busiest time for boating and evenings with waterside fireworks displays, I urge all boaters to exercise extreme caution, carry required safety equipment and operate safely while transiting the river,” said Lt. James Luciano, a marine officer with the Westchester County Police Department. “High volume vessel traffic combined with project construction activities require boaters to pay added attention and operate in a prudent manner, especially when operating at night.”
While major construction operations will be on hold over the Fourth of July weekend, numerous vessels and materials still will be present and active on the river. Boaters are encouraged to use the New NY Bridge project’s interactive map, which utilizes GPS technology to track all project vessels and barges, to keep up to date on construction activity.
All boaters are advised to transit the main navigation channel, leave no wake, stay at least 1,000 feet away from any construction equipment, and adhere to the U.S. Coast Guard-regulated navigation area and prohibited safety zone around the marked project mooring area.
In partnership with the New York State Thruway Authority, the Westchester and Rockland County marine units will conduct extra patrols this holiday weekend to monitor the construction zone and encourage all boaters to obey established U.S. Coast Guard safety protocols.
Beyond the Fourth of July weekend, the project team reminds recreational boaters that crews will continue to transport massive steel girder assemblies via barge from the Port of Coeymans near Albany down the Hudson River to the project site.
The safety of workers, motorists and boaters is the project’s number one priority. As boaters enjoy the summer on the water, the Thruway Authority strongly urges caution in and around the construction zone.
More project-related boater safety information, including construction site maps, can be found on the project website’s Boater Safety Page.
