ALBANY - NYSDOT and NYSTA have completed and released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Tappan Zee Bridge Project.  This announcement coincides with Governor Andrew Cuomo's plans to expedite the replacement of the aging and obsolete bridge, which has been stalled for decades.

The study calls for an expedited timeline that preserves the option for mass transit. Furthermore, under Governor Cuomo's accelerated timetable, construction could begin later this year. 

To view a copy of the DEIS, please go to www.tzbsite.com/tzbsite_2/index_2.html .

“New York has spent a decade talking, studying, and meeting about how to replace this vital bridge," said State Department of Transportation Commissioner Joan McDonald.  "The Governor's expedited timeline has accelerated this project, which will create jobs and generate much needed economic development opportunities in the Hudson Valley.  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."

Comments on the DEIS will be accepted until March 15, and public hearings will be held in Westchester and Rockland Counties in late February.  Public notice of those meetings will be made as soon as final arrangements have been completed.  New York met the January 19 deadline to submit the DEIS to the federal government. The document is being made available on the project website today, January 24.

The project will incorporate design features to maximize the public investment that include an additional span-width, which could be used for bus rapid transit or another transit purpose.  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.  The current bridge has no seismic redundancy. 

Congresswoman Nan Hayworth (R-19) said, "Today’s completion and release of the Environmental Impact Statement shows real progress toward rebuilding the Tappan Zee Bridge.  Its reconstruction is vital to our economy.  We need to act now to assure that we will continue to have this crucial connection between Westchester and Rockland counties."

Congressman Eliot Engel (D-17) said, "Projects such as this one can be cornerstones to the economic recovery of our state.  By putting men and women back to work, we are showing the nation how jobs can be created which also benefit the quality of life in our local communities.  Once again, New York will lead the way."

An average of three accidents takes place every day on the Tappan Zee Bridge; even minor crashes cause severe traffic backups in both directions, which can seriously delay emergency response time. The project is expected to create more than 23,000 jobs.

The three-mile Tappan Zee Bridge carries the Thruway across the Hudson River, making it a vital link in the tri-state region.  It serves as a major commuter route between Orange, Rockland and Westchester counties.  Opened in 1955, it was designed to carry 100,000 vehicles on a peak day but traffic volumes have grown to approximately 138,000 vehicles daily.

Governor Cuomo noted that President Barack Obama has recognized the importance of fast tracking the review process and chose the Tappan Zee Bridge project among 14 major projects across the nation to undergo an expedited environmental review.

NYSDOT and NYSTA are currently reviewing statements of qualifications that were submitted by prospective contractors as of a January 10 deadline. A short list of qualified bidders will be identified by the agencies on January 31. Their detailed proposals are due in June and a contractor will be selected in July.  Construction could start as early as August.