Q: Why is the I-287 Corridor being studied?
Q: Why replace the bridge? Why not keep the old bridge?
Q: Is the Tappan Zee Bridge safe?
Q: How many vehicles cross the bridge each day?
Q: Does building a new bridge without mass transit make sense?

Q: Why is the I-287 Corridor being studied?
Congestion along the I-287 Corridor will continue to worsen, and the structural needs of the Tappan Zee Bridge must be addressed. Currently the corridor experiences varying levels of traffic congestion throughout the 30-mile length. About 140,000 vehicles cross the 3.1-mile Tappan Zee Bridge every day, with volumes as high as 170,000 vehicles daily. If nothing is done to relieve congestion in the I-287 Corridor between Suffern and Port Chester, by 2030 traffic crossing the bridge will increase to about 200,000 cars per day. Travel times are predicted to grow significantly.

The bridge does not meet current seismic criteria. It also does not have shoulders to accommodate emergency vehicles and breakdowns. The Tappan Zee Bridge is a primary Hudson River crossing north of New York City, providing jobs and services for much of upstate New York, and an important trucking route. It is a critical bridge that must remain open and passable during emergencies. On September 11, 2001, for example, when all other crossings were closed, the Tappan Zee Bridge was the single regional crossing open to transport people, medical supplies, military personnel and goods. In any event, the bridge is safe, due in large part to a rigorous program of maintenance and inspection.

“We are pleased that the primary focus of this project will address the immediate need for a new bridge to carry passenger and commercial vehicles across the Hudson River. This is a main thoroughfare for the trucking industry, providing a vital economic link between New England, New York City and Long Island and the rest of the northeast. We applaud the Thruway Authority’s decision to proceed with the critical highway replacement, while still preserving the ability to address the needs of other modes of transportation in the future.”
— Kendra Adams – Motor Truck Association

Q: Why replace the bridge? Why not keep the old bridge?
Completed in 1955, the Tappan Zee Bridge was built during a period of material shortages with a 50-year life span. Although it was designed to handle a maximum capacity of 80,000 cars, the structure far exceeds the recommended limit with an average of 140,000 vehicles per day. Now seven years past its intended life cycle, the Tappan Zee Bridge is functionally obsolete and no longer able to safely meet traffic demands. Not only with the new design remedy the bridge’s lack of a shoulder and narrow lanes (widths failed to meet interstate standards), it will also include dedicated emergency lanes.

Q: Is the Tappan Zee Bridge safe?
The New York State Thruway Authority operates a regular program of scheduled maintenance designed specifically to ensure that the bridge is safe for travel. The bridge also receives a detailed inspection every two years by qualified engineers. However, some serious problems are evident. There are no emergency lanes in the case of accidents, the lanes are too narrow and do not meet interstate standards, and erosion has taken its toll. In addition, the Tappan Zee was not designed— nor was it built, nor can it be retrofitted—to withstand any significant seismic activity, according to New York State studies. 

Q: How many vehicles cross the bridge each day?
About 140,000 vehicles cross the 3.1-mile Tappan Zee Bridge every day, with numbers as high as 170,000 vehicles daily. When the bridge opened in 1955, it carried an average of 18,000 vehicles daily. The bridge has increasing hours of delay, congestion and increasing peak hour.

“This announcement brings New Yorkers one step closer to the ultimate goal– a new Tappan Zee Bridge, a critical project that has been long discussed and lamented without action. We commend Governor Cuomo for his commitment not only to advancing this major project, but to investing in infrastructure throughout our state that will both create jobs and sustain our economy.”
— Mike Elmendorf, President and CEO of the Associated General Contractors of New York State (AGC NYS)

Q: Does building a new bridge without mass transit make sense?

Traffic patterns are still evolving. In 1980, 80 percent of the traffic crossing the Tappan Zee Bridge went south to New York City. Today, that same percentage goes east to White Plains and Connecticut. The usage of mass transit at this point in time does not justify the significant expense it would require to incorporate.

To build a mass transit system today for something that is still evolving would be irresponsible. Rather, the new bridge will be constructed in such a manner as to make it “ready” for future demands. Mass transit is a long-term goal. Trying to implement it right now will only further delay construction of the bridge.