Sections of the Tappan Zee Bridge are being used in the state’s largest artificial reef program.
After serving the Hudson Valley for more than 60 years, the Tappan Zee Bridge will continue to benefit New Yorkers in the form of artificial reefs.
On Thursday, nearly 900 tons of material from the old bridge, including cleaned steel and concrete, were added to the Shinnecock Reef off the coast of Long Island, along with parts and vessels from the state Department of Transportation and Canal Corporation. Under the leadership of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, the operation was the first phase in the largest artificial reef expansion in state history.
“These artificial reefs are an investment in a stronger, more diverse marine ecosystem that will bolster the economy and bring a new purpose to the former Tappan Zee Bridge that will continue to serve New Yorkers for generations to come,” Governor Cuomo said.
Overall, nearly 1,100 tons of materials were added to the Shinnecock Reef, including triangular trusses, concrete deck panels, steels girders, pipes and lattice trusses. In addition, the state placed three decommissioned Canal boats, including a 110-foot barge, 74-foot tugboat, and 40-foot tender.
The 35-acre reef is located two nautical miles from shore and is 85 feet deep at its deepest point.
State agencies will continue the reef program later this summer by deploying an additional 33 barges of Tappan Zee Bridge recycled materials and 30 cleaned vessels to six reef sites.
“Recycling and repurposing materials from the Tappan Zee Bridge to expand the state’s environmental resources and boost economic development is the outcome of Governor Cuomo ensuring that government at all levels work together to achieve results,” Thruway Authority Acting Executive Director Matthew J. Driscoll said. “It is rewarding to know that the Tappan Zee Bridge, which served the Thruway Authority admirably for decades, will now benefit Long Island communities in its new capacity.”
Announced in April, the Governor’s reef expansion initiative is poised to bolster 12 artificial reefs off the shores of Long Island over the next two years. The materials for the reef expansion are being strategically placed to improve New York’s diverse marine life and boost Long Island’s recreational, and sport fishing and diving industries. In addition to the inaugural expansion of the Shinnecock Reef, five additional reef sites will be enhanced this year at sites off the shores of Smithtown, Moriches, Fire Island, Hempstead, and Rockaway. Construction of New York’s first artificial reef dates back to 1949.
The reefs are built out of hard, durable structures such as rock, concrete, and steel pipes, and usually in the form of surplus or scrap materials that are cleaned of contaminants. After materials and vessels settle to the sea floor, larger fish like blackfish, black seabass, cod, and winter and summer flounder, move in to build habitats within the new structures, and encrusting organisms such as barnacles, sponges, anemones, corals, and mussels cling to and cover the material.
Over time, all these structures will create habitat similar to a natural reef.
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to receive the latest project information.
