Tappan Zee Constructors (TZC) is scheduled to shift four lanes of Rockland-bound traffic to the opposite side of the concrete median on the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge’s westbound span on Friday night, Sept. 28, weather permitting. This temporary traffic configuration allows crews to construct the bridge’s bicycle and pedestrian path and its six overlooks.
Motorists traveling on the northbound/westbound New York State Thruway (I-87/I-287) should plan for multiple lane closures and brief traffic stoppages so workers can reconfigure the landings and stripe lanes at both ends of the 3.1-mile span during the overnight operation. There will be no lane closures in the Westchester-bound direction.
Near the main span, Rockland-bound traffic will be slightly re-aligned towards the center of the bridge, protected by temporary concrete jersey barriers. This alignment will provide TZC crews with safe access for operational activities. After passing the main span area, traffic will re-align with the southern side of the westbound crossing. All four traffic lanes will maintain at least an 11-foot width throughout the main span area.
The bridge, including its landing areas, remains an active construction work zone. As such, the posted speed limit will remain 45 mph on both spans for the safety of motorists and construction workers. The Thruway Authority strongly encourages motorists to abide by the reduced speed limit and remain alert when crossing the bridge.
Multiple lane closures will begin at approximately 8 p.m. Friday as traffic conditions permit. At least one Rockland-bound lane will remain open except when State Police stop and temporarily hold traffic.
Work will require a temporary closure of the exit 9 (Tarrytown – Sleepy Hollow – US Route 9) northbound on-ramp from 9 p.m. until 6 a.m. Saturday. Northbound/westbound drivers will be detoured to the exit 8 on-ramp, shown below.
During the shift, there will be two traffic stops of all four northbound/westbound lanes near exit 9 in Tarrytown, each lasting up to 20 minutes. The traffic stops will allow Thruway Authority and Tappan Zee Constructors workers to stage operations, stripe lanes at both ends of the bridge and shift barriers and equipment.
All four northbound/westbound lanes are scheduled to be fully open by 10 a.m. Saturday.
Additional Roadway Work
TZC is also scheduled to continue roadway improvements and concrete slab installation on the Thruway near the Rockland landing. The work will require single-lane closures near the bridge in both directions.
Specific lane and ramp closure times are listed in the chart below.
| DATE: | CLOSURES BEGIN: | CLOSURES END: | LOCATION: |
| Thurs., 9/27 | 6:30 a.m. – One left lane | 3 p.m. | Northbound (I-87/I-287) from exit 9 to exit 10 |
| Fri., 9/28 | 8 p.m. – One left lane 9 p.m. – Two left lanes 11 p.m. – Three left lanes |
Sat., 9/29 – 10 a.m. | Northbound from exit 9 to exit 10 |
| Fri., 9/28 | 9 p.m. – Ramp closure | Sat., 9/29 – 6 a.m. | Northbound exit 9 on-ramp |
| Mon., 10/1 | 4:30 a.m. – One left lane | 3 p.m. | Northbound from exit 9 to exit 10 |
| Tues., 10/2 | 4:30 a.m. – One left lane | 3 p.m. | Northbound from exit 9 to exit 10 |
| Tues., 10/2 | 10 a.m. – One left lane | 3 p.m. | Southbound from exit 11 to the bridge |
| Wed., 10/3 | 4:30 a.m. – One left lane | 3 p.m. | Northbound from exit 9 to exit 10 |
| Wed., 10/3 | 10 a.m. – One left lane | 3 p.m. | Southbound from exit 11 to the bridge |
| Thurs., 10/4 | 4:30 a.m. – One left lane | 3 p.m. | Northbound from exit 9 to exit 10 |
| Thurs., 10/4 | 10 a.m. – One left lane | 3 p.m. | Southbound from exit 11 to the bridge |
Steel Girder Painting
TZC continues painting operations to the steel girders over River Road in South Nyack. This operation will involves setting up a painting platform over the roadway, requiring single lane closures and brief, periodic traffic holds. This platform allows TZC to safely complete the painting without extended stoppages or lane closures.
Travelers should expect brief traffic stops between 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. The temporary stops are required to safely install the painting platform over the roadway.
Flag persons are on site to facilitate the lane closings and maintain traffic safety. School busses and emergency vehicles are given priority throughout the closure period. Cyclists and pedestrians should follow flagger’s instructions.
Shared Use Path—Rockland Landing
A segment of the Esposito Trail from Clinton Avenue and South Franklin Street to Village Hall will be closed for up to two months for the construction of the side path, as early as Thursday, Oct. 4. Pedestrians and cyclists will be detoured to South Broadway and through Elizabeth Place Park. Additionally, crews will continue drilling and installing piles along Hillside Avenue, necessitating temporary lane closures. Flag persons will keep traffic moving by alternating the directional flow between east and west. Ramp construction will also continue for the new connection between Interchange 10 and Hillside Avenue.
Additional work includes:
- Removal of temporary asphalt, preparing abutment slopes and concrete pours near bridge landings
- Roadway work on emergency turnarounds
- Internal tower work
- Preparation for bike/pedestrian path including milling, rebar installation and overlook casting
- Dismantling of the old bridge’s pile caps, piles and caissons
- Internal work on Thruway Maintenance and New York State Police facilities
Boater Safety
The eastern 300 feet of the 600-foot wide main navigation channel is closed to all vessel transits until further notice. Red buoys with all around white light have been set to mark the eastern side of the channel.
Periodic closures of the main navigation channel are anticipated to occur during construction and demolition periods. 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 and to avoid the Regulated Navigation Areas, located east and west of the main channel.
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 http://www.thruway.ny.gov/travelers/map/ for real-time information regarding traffic conditions.
