The U.S. Coast Guard is advising mariners to stay clear of construction equipment and support vessels as the New NY Bridge project continues.
With the 2016 recreational boating season kicking off this Memorial 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.
This advisory includes the largest machine on the project, the I Lift NY super crane. Additionally, mariners should be aware that 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 is currently establishing a safety zone encompassing all navigable waters within a 200 yard radius of the super crane as part of their enhanced measures.
“The safety our workers, as well as motorists and boaters, are the project’s top priority,” said TZC President Terry Towle. “We urge everyone to use the utmost caution when traveling near the project site to help stay safe this Memorial Day weekend.”
Boaters are also strongly urged to use the center 600 feet of the Hudson River’s main channel to navigate in a north-south direction with no wake at a maximum speed of five knots. Please bear in mind partial or full closures of the main channel will periodically occur. Boaters can visit NewNYBridge.com/Boater or view the U.S. Coast Guard First District Local Notice to Mariners for the latest information regarding upcoming closures.
“We want everyone to have a safe holiday weekend,” said Project Director Jamey Barbas. “We urge all boaters to take the time to familiarize themselves with the Coast Guard guidelines and to please slow down near the construction zone.”
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 or regulations set forth by the U.S. Coast Guard.
