September 2013

Craig Mongeau - September 2013

All good things come to those who wait. But it sure took a long time.

After a delay of more than 10 years, the new Tappan Zee Bridge between Rockland and Westchester counties is finally under way.

First suggested in 1999, the new bridge is necessary because the old Tappan Zee is, well, old. Built in the 1950s the bridge now sees more than double the amount of traffic for which it was designed. An astounding 138,000 vehicles use the bridge daily, which translates into the highest accident rate than the New York State Thruway. And if a car breaks down on the bridge? Well, if you’ve ever been on it or approached it when that happens, you know what you’re in for.

Then of course, there has been question of the bridge’s structural integrity, which to fix it would have cost approximately $4 billion over the next two decades, which doesn’t even include the $750 million already spent on maintenance over the past 10 years. The new bridge will cost about $4 billion, so after all of the delays and studies and debate, the new bridge makes sense, plain and simple.

Now if only something could be done about the Cross Bronx Expressway and its speedway, canyon-like driving experience.

Moving on to this year’s N.Y.S. Highway & Public Works Expo to be held Oct. 16. Please see page 68 of this issue for a bit of a look back at last year’s show. And also look in the next issue for more information about the upcoming 2013 Expo and complete exhibitor listings.

Hope to see you there.