Tappan Zee Constructors, LLC (TZC) will begin the second stage of dredging operations during the week of August 1 near the Westchester shoreline as part of the preparation for removing the existing bridge and completing the New NY Bridge project’s eastern landing of the southbound span.
Dredging is allowed during a three-month period from August 1 to October 31 in specified locations and will be conducted 24/7 to complete the required dredging during the short window. The window was established to avoid impacting migration and spawning patterns of local sturgeon and other fish species.
The upcoming dredging operation, much smaller than the first stage, is designed to create an access area for the I Lift NY super crane to remove sections of the existing bridge and build the southbound landing of the new bridge. The dredging will deepen the water level in the work zone by removing an estimated 187,960 cubic yards of sediment from the river bottom.
TZC will use specially-designed environmental clamshell buckets to perform the work. The buckets release less sediment into the river than conventional equipment, which further protects local aquatic resources.
Additionally, TZC has provided environmental training to field personnel on procedures to protect sturgeon, including the use of specialized equipment to safely retrieve, keep alive and return to the river any fish that are inadvertently caught during the dredging operation. Observers approved by National Marine Fisheries Services will oversee dredging activities to monitor for any possible sturgeon interaction and document any observed fish that may be collected.
The dredged river-bottom mud, which has been tested by TZC, will be processed and properly disposed at offsite locations.
Once the second stage of dredging is complete, approximately two feet of gravel will be placed in the dredged channel to limit the stirring up of river sediment when working vessels traverse the area.
AETC work continues in Rockland County
In contrast to prior weeks, the continued installation of a temporary all-electronic toll collection (AETC) system in South Nyack will not require overnight lane closures of the New York State Thruway (I-87/I-287), but will necessitate the daily closure of the southbound lane of Route 9W (Hillside Avenue) in South Nyack between Shadyside Ave. and South Franklin Street. The closures will take place from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays starting Friday, July 31 and continuing through the week of August 3. With the closure reducing the road to one lane, TZC flaggers will direct traffic, alternating north- and southbound traffic as needed. Additional signage and other safety measures will be in place to facilitate efficient and safe travel.
Upcoming lane and ramp closures are scheduled as follows:
| DATE: | CLOSURES BEGIN: | CLOSURES END: | LOCATION: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thur., 8/6 | 10 a.m. – One right lane | 3 p.m. | Northbound near exit 9 |
All planned work is 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.
Installation of Noise Barriers in South Nyack
Next week will also see continued installation of foundations for noise barriers along the southbound Thruway between the South Broadway bridge and River Road. The work will involve drilling holes into the soil to install the foundations. After the foundations are installed, concrete panels that form the noise barriers will be installed. The barriers will be treated with sound-absorbing material to further reduce traffic noise to the nearby community.
Additional work includes:
- Placement of Steel Girder assemblies
- Pile cap foundation construction
- Main span foundation construction
- Landing abutment concrete work
- Support for river-based work from the Rockland trestle
- Survey inspections on the existing bridge
- Westchester landings utility work
Boater Safety
During the summer months, Westchester and Rockland Marine Units will add extra patrols to monitor the construction zone and encourage all boaters to obey the established U.S. Coast Guard safety protocols.
The U.S. Coast Guard has established a Safety Zone surrounding 16 construction barge mooring locations at the project site. No unauthorized vessels are allowed in the Safety Zone. In addition, marine law enforcement will be enforcing the rules of the expanded Regulated Navigation Areas (RNAs) east and west of the Safety Zone. The RNAs stretch 500 yards north and 500 yards south of the existing bridge. Boaters are urged to transit the main channel with no wake at a maximum speed of 5 knots and to use extreme caution on the river at all times.
More New NY Bridge boater safety information, including the U.S. Coast Guard Notice to Mariners and construction site maps, can be found here atNewNYBridge.com. An interactive map showing vessel locations on the Hudson River is also available here for recreational and commercial boaters to get updated information on the very active construction zone. The GPS tracking map is for informational purposes and not intended for navigation.
Mariners also should be aware that TZC will continue work in the vicinity of the side channels under the existing bridge. Additional temporary navigational lights have been installed to further define the 600-foot navigation channel under the main span. Permanent elements of the new bridge are lit per U.S. Coast Guard requirements, as are all moorings, barges and other equipment.
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.
