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New York State Thruway Authority
Image of workers replacing deteriorated rivets with High Strength Bolts on the Tappan Zee Bridge. Image of workers replacing existing
rivets with high-strength bolts on the Tappan Zee Bridge.

Since September 2007, the Authority has been replacing significant portions of the deck of the Tappan Zee Bridge.  The work has been part of the Authority’s ongoing commitment to fulfill its responsibility to maintain and operate the bridge by continuing to make the necessary investments to assure safe and efficient travel for the thousands of motorists that cross the bridge daily.

This website is part of a public information program launched by the Authority to keep the public informed about the progress, along with potential impacts, of the deck replacement effort.

The Authority uses Variable Message Signs (VMS) along the highway and Highway Advisory Radio, 530 AM in the Tappan Zee Bridge Corridor, as well as 1610 AM in the Newburgh area to keep the public informed. Project updates, in addition to weekly construction information, are regularly sent to the media. 

Since September 2007, a total of 1092 new deck panels have been installed, including 288 on the main span of the bridge, 140 on the west deck truss and 664 on the western causeway.

A punch list of items is anticipated to be completed in the Spring of 2010.  Once complete, the contract awarded to Perini/Tutor-Saliba, JV, of Peekskill, New York, in August 2006 will have been completed.

The Authority recently awarded a $148.8 million contract for the next phase of the redecking work to Tutor Perini Corp. from Peekskill, New York. 

This deck replacement project, the second contract to be awarded since August 2006, will replace approximately 28 percent of the total concrete deck area on the Tappan Zee Bridge. When completed, approximately 96 percent of the original deck will have been replaced since the Bridge opened in 1955.  The May 2010 awarded contract is scheduled to begin in the Summer of 2010. In 2010, Tutor Perini Corp. will collect field measurements for the fabrication of the new deck panels. The installation of the new deck panels is scheduled to begin in 2011; the overall project is slated for completion in the Winter of 2012.

View of existing steel superstructure after removal of existing deck in the West Deck Truss Section of the Tappan Zee Bridge. View of existing steel superstructure after removal
of existing deck in the west deck truss section of the Tappan Zee Bridge.

As the redecking effort progresses, the Authority will continue to implement a number of strategies designed to minimize the impact of the work on travelers:

  • Deck replacement work will be conducted primarily during off-peak, overnight shifts generally from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m.
  • The Authority will limit the Contractor’s day work, permitting single lane closures as needed.
  • Deck replacement materials will be manufactured off-site, reducing noise on-site and shortening the duration of the project overall.