President Barack Obama launched a competition where states could submit their high priority, job-creating projects in order to win expedited federal approvals, and New York has submitted the project to the competition.
With an expedited federal review of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and the processing of permits, the Tappan Zee project to replace the bridge could begin as early as next year.
“The Tappan Zee Bridge is a vital part of our state and region’s infrastructure,” said Cuomo. “The Tappan Zee Bridge project improves a key component of our state and nation’s infrastructure, and at the same time puts tens of thousands of New Yorkers back to work.”
The Tappan Zee Bridge was built in the 1950s and carries Interstate routes I-87/I-287 across the Hudson River. Over the last 20 years, the Tappan Zee has shown significant deterioration. In addition, its seven narrow lanes and lack of safety shoulders mean that it has an accident rate double the rest of other comparable New York roads. The bridge also has serious vulnerabilities to extreme events such as severe storms, ship collision and earthquakes.
