As dredging operations wind down for 2013, Tappan Zee Constructors, LLC. (TZC) continues installation of permanent piles.
Pile driving will be limited to the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and, occasionally, from 12 noon to 7 p.m. on Saturdays. Dredging will end for this year as of Friday November 1, 2013. Dredging operations will resume in 2014 from August 1 to November 1. The time is limited to protect the spawning and migration patterns of the endangered Atlantic and Shortnose sturgeon. “Armoring” of the dredge channel, which helps protect the water quality for marine life, began recently. TZC crews are layering sand and stones within the dredge channel to armor the river bottom and ensure sediment is not kicked up by passing vessels.
On Monday, October 28, one northbound right-hand lane and shoulder on I-87/I-287 near exit 9 in Tarrytown will be closed from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for drainage surveys. Tappan Zee Bridge toll plaza lane 12 on southbound I-87/I-287 will be closed on Tuesday, October 29 and Wednesday, October 30 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for drainage surveys. On Thursday, October 31, one northbound right-hand lane and shoulder on I-87/I-287 between exit 9 in Tarrytown and the Tappan Zee Bridge will be closed from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for drainage surveys. On Friday, November 1, one northbound right-hand lane and shoulder on I-87/I-287 near exit 10 in South Nyack will be closed from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for drainage surveys. TZC will also conduct maintenance ramp modifications on Monday, October 28, from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Wednesday, October 30, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. near the Rockland bulkhead.
Construction cameras have been installed and can be accessed at 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 the construction cameras and the interactive archive calendar.
Mariners should be aware that TZC will be installing permanent piles in the vicinity of the side channels under the existing bridge. New temporary navigational lights have been installed to further define the 600’ navigation channel under the main span. Both temporary and permanent piles are illuminated at night.
The U.S. Coast Guard has issued a revised Notice to Mariners with updated safety information, including the establishment of a Regulated Navigation Area (RNA) 300 yards north and 200 yards south of the existing Tappan Zee Bridge. All boaters are advised to use the main channel, reduce wake and use extreme caution while transiting the area. If necessary, the Coast Guard in the future may temporarily prohibit all vessel traffic in the RNA for safety purposes.
The Coast Guard boating safety information can be found on the project website, NewNYBridge.com, under the “Boating Safety” icon.
Ongoing operations:
- Rockland emergency ramp modifications
- Dredging operations will continue 24/7
- Armoring of dredge channel
- River Road utility work
- Test pile program
- Rockland Dock Extension under existing bridge
- Temporary Rockland trestle construction including pile driving on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Temporary Westchester trestle construction including pile driving on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Survey inspections on existing bridge
- Support for river-based work from the Rockland shoreline
