TappanZeeBridge

New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) in the US has released a draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) for the Tappan Zee Bridge project, which reveals no significant hurdles for replacing the existing structure.

The DEIS said that if construction is completed in three to 5.5 years, it would cost $3.5-$5bn; while it is estimated to cost $4.64bn if it is constructed in 4.5-5.5 years.

The study calls for the speeded up construction of the bridge, with work on the project possibly beginning as soon as August this year.

NYSDOT commissioner Joan McDonald said that the state has spent a decade talking, studying, and meeting about how to replace this vital bridge. "The governor’s expedited timeline has accelerated this project, which will create jobs and generate much needed economic development opportunities in the Hudson Valley," she said. "At the same time, the study does not rule out mass transit options. Now that we understand the environmental effects of reconstructing the bridge, it is time to start laying out real construction plans."

Recently, the US Government chose the Tappan Zee Bridge as part of 14 major projects across the country to undergo an expedited environmental review and earmarked $5bn in funding to build the bridge.

The state wants to replace the aging Tappan Zee Bridge, which spans the Hudson River between Rockland and Westchester counties in New York City’s suburbs, connecting the lower Hudson Valley region with New York.

The 4.8km structure, which opened in 1955, handles 138,000 vehicles a day, but it is overcrowded and is in a state of disrepair after 56 years of use. The plan is to build a new dual-deck, 12-lane suspension bridge and causeway to replace the existing Tappan Zee Bridge.

The replacement bridge will have eight traffic lanes, as opposed to the current seven, and feature two breakdown lanes that could also be used to accommodate transit or other transportation purposes. Additionally, unlike the current structure, it will include pedestrian and bicycle lanes.

Upon completion by 2017, the new suspension bridge is expected to cope with a projected 48% increase in traffic over the next 20 years.

Comments on the DEIS will be accepted until March 15, and public hearings will be held in Westchester and Rockland Counties in late February, after then public notice of those meetings will be made available.

The project will incorporate design features that include an additional span-width, which could be used for bus rapid transit or another transit purpose.

The state transport department is currently reviewing statements of qualifications that were submitted by prospective contractors as of the 10 January deadline and a short list of qualified bidders will be announced by the end of the month. Their detailed proposals are due in June and a contractor will be selected in July, with construction scheduled to begin by early August this year.

 

Image: Construction on the 4.8km Tappan Zee Bridge is expected to start in August this year. Photo: Nrbelex.