News from New York State Thruway Authority

For more information contact: Office of Public Affairs, 518-436-2983

Tappan Zee Bridge Repairs To Continue

Off-Peak Bridge Repairs, Maintenance Scheduled Monday - Friday

ALBANY, NY (05/09/2008; 0914)(readMedia)-- The New York State Thruway Authority today announced that routine repairs on the Tappan Zee Bridge will continue on Monday, May 12, through Friday, May 16, during off-peak travel times.

The Tappan Zee Bridge was built in 1955 and is more than three miles long. The 50-year-old bridge currently requires ongoing maintenance activities. Routine bridge maintenance is done to ensure the safety of Thruway travelers.

In an effort to provide the best possible customer service to New York’s travelers and commuters, the Authority will continue to schedule repairs during off-peak travel times, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and overnight when possible. The Authority spends approximately $5 million annually on routine maintenance to the bridge.

The length of each closure varies throughout the day, but rarely extends more than one-tenth of a mile past the end of the bridge.

Next week’s tentative lane closure schedule below does not include any emergency work that may arise, and is subject to change depending on traffic patterns and inclement weather.

• Monday, May 12: Right lane southbound closed for bridge maintenance beginning at milepost 16.1 to 13.1, between 9:30 a.m. and 2:45 p.m.

• Tuesday, May 13: Right lane southbound closed for bridge maintenance beginning at milepost 16.1 to 13.1, between 9:30 a.m. and 2:45 p.m.

• Wednesday, May 14: Right lane southbound closed for bridge maintenance beginning at milepost 16.1 to 13.1, between 9:30 a.m. and 2:45 p.m.

• Thursday, May 15: Right lane southbound closed for bridge maintenance beginning at milepost 16.1 to 13.1, between 9:30 a.m. and 2:45 p.m.

• Friday, May 16: Right lane southbound closed for bridge maintenance beginning at milepost 16.1 to 13.1, between 9:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

The public is also notified on Tappan Zee Bridge repairs and lane closures via Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) and Highway Advisory Radio (HAR). In the Tappan Zee Bridge Corridor, HAR can be heard on station 530 AM.

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The Authority offers a free email service called TRANSalert to its customers via email or text messaging to inform them of major unscheduled incidents that may affect their travel on the Thruway. To sign up for the TRANSalert service, customers can visit the Authority’s website at www.nysthruway.gov/tas/ .