The U.S. Coast Guard advises mariners to use the center 600 feet of the Hudson River’s Main Channel (when available) to navigate in a north-south direction near the Tappan Zee Bridge.
This Independence Day weekend, the U.S. Coast Guard, the New York State Thruway Authority, Tappan Zee Constructors, LLC (TZC) and local law enforcement are reminding boaters of the safety measures near the extremely active work site.
As construction efforts increase near the river’s main navigation channel and Westchester shoreline, the Coast Guard is advising mariners to stay clear of all overhead work and to maintain a safe distance of 1,000 feet from all construction equipment and support vessels.
Boaters should proceed cautiously near the largest machine on the project, the I Lift NY super crane. The massive crane is operated with the assistance of several anchors, which can extend up to 200 yards from the barge in various directions and heights. The Coast Guard has established a safety zone that restricts all traffic within a 200 yard radius of the super crane as part of its enhanced measures.
Boaters are also strongly urged to use the center 600 feet of the Hudson River’s main channel (when available) to navigate in a north-south direction with no wake at a maximum speed of five knots.
Boaters should expect periodic closures of the main channel due to construction activities and are advised to tune to Marine Radio Channel 22A for the latest U.S. Coast Guard advisories.
A complete list of safety measures can also be found at NewNYBridge.com/Boater. The site also includes an interactive map, which utilizes GPS technology to track all TZC vessels and barges.
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.
