In observance of the Labor Day holiday and in accordance with Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Drivers First initiative, Tappan Zee Constructors, LLC (TZC) will suspend construction-related lane closures on or near the project site until 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3. Drivers First, launched in 2012, prioritizes the convenience of motorists to minimize traffic congestion and travel delays due to road and bridge work. The Governor is also urging motorists to abide by New York’s Move Over Law and to utilize the 64 text stops located statewide as needed for texting, making phone calls, and other non-driving tasks.
“This busy Labor Day weekend, we’re taking steps to ease congestion and help motorists get to their destinations with fewer delays,” Governor Cuomo said. “I urge all New Yorkers to make safety a priority this weekend. Stay alert, don’t drive distracted, and if you need to answer a phone call or text, utilize one of the many rest areas or text stops. I wish all New Yorkers a safe and happy Labor Day weekend.”
Governor Cuomo is urging motorists to follow the state’s Move Over Law, which requires motorists to slow down and move over if safe to do so, for law enforcement vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, tow trucks and construction or maintenance vehicles that are stopped along roads across the state.
“With roadway construction on hold over the Labor Day weekend, motorists will spend less time sitting and traffic and more time with family and friends enjoying the holiday,” New York State Thruway Authority Executive Director Matthew J. Driscoll said. “We urge motorists to drive safely and responsibly. Remember to slow down and move over if it’s safe to do so when you see emergency vehicles or maintenance workers on the side of the road. The lives of our employees, emergency workers and motorists depend on it.”
Signage Realignment
Beginning on the night of Tuesday, September 3, TZC is scheduled to resume lane control signage realignment on northbound New York State Thruway (I-87/I-287) traffic lanes on the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, requiring multiple overnight lane closures.
Specific lane closure times are listed in the chart below.
| DATE: | CLOSURES BEGIN: | CLOSURES END: | LOCATION: |
| Tues. 9/3 | 9 p.m. – Two left lanes 11 p.m. – Three left lanes |
6 a.m., Wed. 9/4 | Northbound (I-87/I-287) across the bridge |
| Wed. 9/4 | 9 p.m. – Two left lanes 11:59 p.m. – Three left lanes |
6 a.m., Thur. 9/5 | Northbound across the bridge |
| Thur. 9/5 | 10 p.m. – Two left lanes 11:59 p.m. – Three left lanes |
6 a.m., Fri. 9/6 | Northbound across the bridge |
| Fri. 9/6 | 10 p.m. – Two left lanes 11:59 p.m. – Three left lanes |
6 a.m., Sat. 9/7 | Northbound across the bridge |
Bicycle/Pedestrian Path
Construction of the shared bicycle and pedestrian path continues.
On the bridge, TZC will continue to work on the northern side of the westbound span for the path’s overlooks and fencing.
At the Westchester Landing, construction continues at the terminus site walls, storage building and visitor pavilion. Operations include excavating, installing electrical wiring, roof drains, plumbing, granite walls, and pouring concrete. Additional flatwork for the shared bicycle/pedestrian side path is also taking place along Route 9.
At the Rockland Landing, construction of a new intersection at Hillside Avenue and Route 9W — which will provide access to the Thruway in both directions — continues. The temporary traffic pattern is scheduled to be adjusted late next week. Motorists exiting the northbound Thruway at exit 10 (South Nyack) and heading south towards Piermont and New Jersey will be able to continue straight to Route 9W. Motorists heading to the Nyacks will continue to bear right at the ramp onto Hillside Avenue.
Additional work includes:
- Fencing, grading and signage installation near bridge landings
- Area preparation at the New York State Thruway Maintenance and New York State Police facilities
- Dismantling of the old bridge’s foundations, weather permitting
Boater Safety
Partial closures of the main navigation channel may be necessary, as TZC continues to dismantle the Tappan Zee Bridge’s foundations.
All vessels should avoid the perimeter of all buoys and stay within the navigation channel as demolition operations continue this coming week.
Cranes, barges and other equipment may occupy parts of the channel during this time. Boaters are strongly encouraged to avoid the project site during the closures and to avoid the Regulated Navigation Areas, located east and west of the main channel.
Times and dates of the potential, partial 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 http://www.thruway.ny.gov/travelers/map/ for real-time information regarding traffic conditions.
