Next week, Tappan Zee Constructors (TZC) will begin removing structures used to store the Tappan Zee Bridge’s moveable barrier machine and equipment, located in the median between the northbound and southbound lanes of the New York State Thruway (I-87/I-287) near exit 10 (Nyack – South Nyack – US Route 9W). Operations will require multiple overnight lane closures between exit 9 (Tarrytown – Sleepy Hollow – US Route 9) and exit 11 (Nyack – South Nyack – US Route 9W) beginning Tuesday, Sept. 19.
TZC will move necessary equipment to the area during the early morning hours of Monday, Sept. 18, requiring a single northbound/westbound traffic stop at approximately 4:30 a.m. State Police will hold traffic in the four northbound/westbound Thruway lanes near exit 10 for up to 15 minutes.
Specific lane closure times are listed in the chart below.
| DATE: | CLOSURES BEGIN: | CLOSURES END: | LOCATION: |
| Tues., 9/19 | 8 p.m. – One left lane 9 p.m. – Two left lanes 11 p.m. – Three left lanes |
6 a.m., Wed., 9/20 | Northbound (I-87/I-287) from exit 9 to exit 10 |
| Tues., 9/19 | 8 p.m. – One left lane | 6 a.m., Wed., 9/20 | Southbound (I-87/I-287) from exit 11 to the bridge |
| Wed., 9/20 | 9 p.m. – One left lane 10 p.m. – Two left lanes 11 p.m. – Three left lanes |
6 a.m., Thur., 9/21 | Northbound from exit 9 to exit 10 |
| Wed., 9/20 | 9 p.m. – One left lane | 6 a.m., Thur., 9/21 | Southbound from exit 11 to the bridge |
| Thur., 9/21 | 9 p.m. – One left lane 10 p.m. – Two left lanes 11 p.m. – Three left lanes |
6 a.m., Fri., 9/22 | Northbound from exit 9 to exit 10 |
| Fri., 9/22 | 9 p.m. – One left lane 10 p.m. – Two left lanes 11 p.m. – Three left lanes |
6 a.m., Sat., 9/23 | Northbound from exit 9 to exit 10 |
Barrier Removal
This week, TZC is scheduled to begin removing sections of concrete barriers that separate southbound/eastbound traffic from the inactive lanes on the old bridge. The operation includes replacing the barriers with orange traffic barrels and will continue during the coming weeks.
Stay Cable Installation
TZC is scheduled to anchor and tension the final pair of stay cables on the eastbound main this week. A total of 192 stay cables will connect the bridge’s structural steel to the 419-foot main span towers.
Landings Preparation
TZC will utilize vibratory hammers to install foundation materials near the new bridge’s landing in Rockland County. The work will allow TZC to continue preparation for the shift in Westchester-bound traffic to the new bridge, scheduled to occur this fall. Traffic will then consist of four lanes in each direction, separated by a concrete barrier to allow for construction of the second span to be completed. All lanes on the new bridge are similar in width to the lanes on the old bridge.
Additional work includes:
- Support for river-based work from the Rockland trestle
- Survey inspections on the existing bridge
- Pier substructure work
- Expansion joint operations
- Internal tower work
- Maintenance dock construction
- Electrical equipment installation and testing
- Construction of maintenance and state police facilities
Boater Safety
Expect periodic closures of the main navigation channel due to on-going construction through the end of this year. 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.
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.
