The twin-span crossing, which is on track to open in 2018 and on budget at US$3.98 billion, is one of the biggest active bridge projects in the nation and the largest in the history of the New York State Thruway Authority.

“The opening of the first span of the new Mario M. Cuomo Bridge next month is a clear message that after decades of stagnation, New York is building our transportation infrastructure better, safer and more efficiently than ever,” Governor Cuomo said. “This major milestone in the project to replace the aging Tappan Zee Bridge will be the first step in alleviating congestion for commuters while offering a state-of-the-art link over the Hudson River, built to last for generations to come.”

The Thruway Authority and Tappan Zee Constructors will shift four lanes of westbound/northbound traffic to the new span on Friday night, Aug. 25. The second step of moving four lanes of eastbound/southbound traffic to that span will begin later this autumn. Four lanes of traffic in each direction will be separated by a concrete barrier. That traffic pattern will remain in effect until the second crossing is complete, and both spans of the bridge open in 2018. 

Read our article about how the tower legs were constructed here.