Washington, DC--Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) issued the following statement after the New York State Thruway Authority selected the Tappan Zee Constructors’ proposal for a replacement Tappan Zee Bridge. 

“I am glad the Thruway Authority Executive Board chose the Tappan Zee Bridge replacement which is the least expensive, and has a lesser environmental impact on our region.  I have said for many years that this should be the method chosen.  I am pleased to see that this option allows for the later addition of mass transit– as I believe this is something which would be important to commuters.  I have been working on bringing about a new bridge for the last 10 years, and it is very promising to see progress being made.  A new bridge is not only necessary for transportation, but will be a boom for economic development in the entire Hudson Valley region,” said Rep. Engel, a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

According to information provided by New York State, the Tappan Zee Constructors’ proposal offers the following major selling points:

·         Best price for toll payers at $3.142 billion

·         Shortest construction time of 5 years and 2.5 months

·         The least dredging on the Hudson River at 951,000 cubic yards

·         Built to last over 100 years without needing major repairs

·         Reduces congestion on the bridge with 8 traffic lanes and 4 breakdown/emergency lanes

·         Includes a bike and pedestrian path

·         Built to accommodate future bus rapid transit and rail transit options

“We have known for a long time that a new bridge would be necessary and it is good news for the people of New York to finally see a light at the end of the tunnel,” added Rep. Engel.

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