With the setting of one final steel-blue girder, Tappan Zee Constructors (TZC) brought major steel operations to a close today, fully linking the new eastbound span across the Hudson River.
“This steel connection is another example of progress for the new bridge and sets the stage for the opening of the eastbound span later this year,” Governor Cuomo said. “The new Mario M. Cuomo Bridge will not only serve New Yorkers, visitors and the greater Mid-Hudson Valley region for the next century, it will be an important symbol of our commitment to rebuilding stronger, safer infrastructure across the state.”
TZC began placing the new twin-span bridge’s structural steel girders in spring 2015 and has since installed more than 220 million pounds of All-American steel on the 3.1-mile crossing.
“Connecting the eastbound span is not only a historic moment for this project, it’s symbolic about how far we’ve come,” New NY Bridge Project Director Jamey Barbas said. “Governor Cuomo has made it his mission to strengthen New York’s infrastructure, starting with this bridge.”
With the eastbound span fully connected by steel, TZC can continue installing precast concrete deck panels to form its base driving surface. The 12-foot-long panels each weigh up to 74,000 pounds and are composed of concrete and galvanized steel. TZC has installed nearly 6,500 deck panels on both spans to date, with fewer than 300 remaining. When all of the deck panels are in place, they will comprise a surface area of more than 65 acres – approximately equal to the deck space of all 19 U.S. Navy aircraft carriers in service. TZC will then install the final driving surface of the eastbound span.
“The new Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge will mean a safer, more reliable commute for the millions of people across the Thruway corridor every year,” Thruway Authority Acting Executive Director Matthew J. Driscoll said. “Governor Cuomo understands the critical importance of investing in transportation infrastructure not only in the Hudson Valley but across the state.”
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