Tappan Zee Constructors (TZC) is preparing to shift Rockland-bound traffic to the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge tonight, necessitating multiple lane closures beginning as early as 9 p.m. The operation is scheduled to conclude by 8 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26, with four lanes of northbound/westbound traffic on the new bridge and four lanes of southbound/eastbound traffic remaining on the old (Tappan Zee) bridge.
Motorists traveling on the northbound/westbound Thruway (I-87/I-287) should plan for multiple lane and ramp closures as well as brief traffic stoppages so workers can reconfigure the landings and stripe the lanes at both ends of the new 3.1-mile crossing.
In Westchester, the northbound/westbound Thruway exit 9 (Tarrytown – Sleepy Hollow – US Route 9) on-ramp from Route 119 will be closed at approximately 9 p.m. Drivers will be detoured approximately one mile east on Route 119 to access the northbound Thruway (see map below). The on-ramp is scheduled to reopen by 6 a.m. Saturday. The exit 9 off-ramp to Route 119 will remain accessible from the northbound Thruway.
In Rockland, the northbound/westbound Exit 10 (Nyack – South Nyack – US Route 9W) off-ramp will also be closed at approximately 8 p.m. The off-ramp is scheduled to reopen by 6 a.m. Saturday. The detour route is detailed in the map below.
Variable Message Signs along the Thruway and other highways in the region have been activated to inform motorists of the traffic shift. Motorists are encouraged to tune to Thruway Highway Advisory Radio for updates.
The new bridge, specifically its landing areas, will remain an active construction site. As such, the posted speed limit will be 45 mph for the safety of motorists and construction workers. The Thruway Authority strongly encourages motorists to abide by the reduced speed limit and remain alert as they travel over the new bridge. All lanes on the new bridge will be similar in width to the lanes on the old bridge. Motorcyclists are urged to use the left two lanes on the northbound span due to uneven pavement.
In the fall, Westchester-bound traffic will be shifted from the old bridge to the first span. Traffic will consist of four lanes in each direction, separated by a concrete barrier to allow for construction of the second span to be completed.
Tappan Zee Bridge Preparations
Additional work to prepare the old (Tappan Zee) bridge for demolition will require a single southbound/eastbound lane closure on Saturday night.
Cashless Tolling Upgrades
Work on the overhead cashless tolling equipment in Rockland County is now scheduled to occur next week. The operation will require an overnight ramp closure of the New York State Thruway (I-87/I-287) southbound/eastbound exit 10 (Nyack – South Nyack – US Route 9W) on-ramp beginning at 9 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28. and concluding by 5 a.m. Tuesday, August 29.
Southbound/eastbound drivers will be detoured to the exit 11 (Nyack – South Nyack – US Route 9W) on-ramp, as shown below.
Specific lane and ramp closure times are listed in the chart below.
| DATE: | CLOSURES BEGIN: | CLOSURES END: | LOCATION: |
| Fri., 8/25 | 9 p.m. – Two right lanes 11:30 p.m. – Three right lanes |
8 a.m., Sat., 8/26 | Northbound I-87/I-287 from exit 8A to exit 10 |
| Fri., 8/25 | 9 p.m. – Ramp closure | 6 a.m., Sat., 8/26 | Northbound exit 9 on-ramp |
| Fri., 8/25 | 8 p.m. – Ramp closure | 6 a.m., Sat., 8/26 | Northbound exit 10 off-ramp |
| Sat., 8/26 | 7 p.m. – One left lane | 10 a.m., Sun., 8/27 | Southbound from exit 10 to exit 9 |
| Mon., 8/28 | 9 p.m. – Ramp closure | 5 a.m., Tues., 8/29 | Southbound exit 10 on-ramp |
Additional work includes:
- Structural steel and stay cable installation on eastbound span
- Support for river-based work from the Rockland trestle
- Survey inspections on the existing bridge
- Pier substructure work
- Expansion joint operations
- Internal tower work
- Maintenance dock construction
- Electrical equipment installation and testing
- Construction of maintenance and state police facilities
Boater Safety
Expect periodic closures of the main navigation channel due to on-going construction through the end of this year. Cranes, barges and other equipment will occupy parts of the channel during this time. Boaters are strongly encouraged to avoid the project site during the closures.
Times and dates of the closures are subject to change and will appear in the U.S. Coast Guard’s weekly Notice to Mariners; on the project’s Twitter feed (@NewNYBridge); and broadcast on Marine Radio Channel 22A. Tappan Zee Constructors can be contacted via Marine Radio Channel 16 for assistance.
Rockland and Westchester marine units continue to patrol the project site.
More boater safety information, including the U.S. Coast Guard Notice to Mariners, a construction site map and GPS-tracked construction vessel locations, can be found at NewNYBridge.com/Boater.
The New York State Thruway Authority provides this information as a public service. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. Nothing in these guidelines shall supersede the actual construction conditions, and regulations set forth by the U.S. Coast Guard.
All lane closures are subject to change due to traffic, weather or emergency situations. Please visit https://www.thruway.ny.gov/travelers/map/ for real-time information regarding traffic conditions.
