Tappan Zee Constructors (TZC) has completed the installation of the new bridge’s last four precast concrete pier caps near the Westchester shoreline. The installation was accomplished with the assistance of the project’s largest crane, dubbed I Lift NY.
The 900-ton pier caps were prefabricated by Coastal Precast Systems in Chesapeake, Va. and barged directly to the project site for installation. The prefabrication process allows TZC to install large sections of the new bridge faster and with greater ease.
Drivers First
The New York State Thruway Authority and TZC will suspend roadway construction during peak holiday travel times over the next two weekends to provide easier travel for residents and visitors as part of Governor Cuomo’s Drivers First program.
“With the busy travel season approaching, New York is once again taking proactive steps to ease traffic conditions across the state by suspending all unnecessary construction,” Governor Cuomo said. ”As we open up lanes and stop road work for the holidays, I encourage drivers to be alert, abide by the rules of the road, and travel safely to ensure everyone enjoys the holidays with loved ones.”
All work behind temporary lane closures will cease from 6 a.m. Friday, Dec. 22, until to 6 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 26. Some construction work behind permanent barriers or for emergency repairs may be done. Road construction will also be suspended from 6 a.m. Friday, Dec. 29, through 6 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 2.
The New York State Thruway Authority will also continue its 47-year tradition of offering free coffee and hot tea to travelers at all 27 travel plazas along the Thruway from 11 p.m. New Year’s Eve through 7 a.m. New Year’s morning to promote safe and alert driving.
State officials also used the occasion as a reminder that there are 64 text stops across the state, and New York’s “Move Over” law requires drivers to use due care, slow down and safely move over when they see flashing lights on the side of the road. This protects emergency responders, tow truck operators, police and firefighters as they work to help motorists along New York’s roadways.
Thruway Authority Acting Executive Director Matthew J. Driscoll said, “The holidays are meant to spend time with family and thanks to Governor Cuomo’s Driver’s First program, the tens of thousands of motorists that will use the Thruway to get to their destinations this year won’t be slowed by road construction. I urge all motorists to drive safe and move over for emergency vehicles and I join Governor Cuomo in wishing all New Yorkers a happy holiday season.”
Steel Girder Installation
TZC is scheduled to continue girder installation on the second span next week. TZC will utilize mobile cranes to raise and place the girder assemblies at the Rockland and Westchester approaches.
Concrete Pour at Westchester Landing
TZC is scheduled to pour concrete at the Westchester landing on Wednesday, Dec. 27 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. TZC flaggers will direct traffic at the intersection of Broadway and Van Wart Avenue in Tarrytown to facilitate the transportation of materials during the operation.
Additional work includes:
- Dismantling of the old bridge’s roadway
- Internal tower work
- Electrical equipment installation and testing
- Landscaping near bridge landings
- Excavation, drainage work and concrete paving in Westchester County
- Construction of Thruway maintenance and State Police facilities in Tarrytown
Boater Safety
Expect periodic closures of the main navigation channel due to on-going construction and extensive demolition activities. 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 and to avoid the Regulated Navigation Areas, located east and west of the main channel.
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.
