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Safety and Service
The Thruway Authority is firmly committed to a high
level of safety and service. This can only be achieved
through a sound and well-maintained infrastructure
of highways and bridges.
As a result of innovative and continuous safety improvements and a dedicated State Police Troop, the Thruway has continuously been recognized as one of the safest highways in the nation. The Authority is very proud of it's safety record, operating one of the largest and safest superhighways i the nation.
During 2004, the Thruway experienced a fatality rate of 0.40 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles - almost four times safer than the national average of 1.46 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles driven.
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Maintenance
Specially trained crews maintain the Thruway throughout
the year at an annual cost of more than $75 million.
More than 1,600 maintenance personnel use about 3,000
different pieces of equipment to maintain the Thruway's
roadway, bridges and buildings.
Equipment used includes seven-ton trucks,
pavement sweepers, mowing tractors and much
more. Of some 1,400 vehicles in use, approximately
300 can be converted into snowplows in the
winter.
The four Thruway divisions ( Albany, Buffalo,
New York and Syracuse) are divided into sections,
each of which maintains an average of 28 miles
of roadway. Throughout the winter months, special
shifts are assigned to control snow and ice
24 hours a day, seven days a week. Some emergency
repairs to the roadway and structures are done
in the winter as well. During the summer months,
major improvements are done on the pavement,
bridges, guide railing and shoulders. Pavement-striping,
mowing, litter cleanup and patching are routinely
done in better weather, but done as needed
regardless of weather conditions.
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Trucking Economies
Hundreds of trucking companies and businesses have
found that it is simply good business to use the
New York State Thruway for the bulk of their operations.
Within this 641-mile superhighway system trucking
companies get the speed, safety, convenience and
low maintenance that save them time and money.
The use of tandem trailers is another way
that truckers save money on the Thruway. Tandems
are comprised of a heavy-duty truck tractor
hauling two regular sized trailers linked by
a “converter dolly” unit. In addition
to proven savings in fuel, oil, maintenance
and wear on brakes and motors, additional factors
that attract trucks to the Thruway include:
weight-distance tax exemption, charge accounts,
volume discounts, safety, superior winter highway
maintenance, communications, and field service
provided by the Authority’s commercial
representatives.
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Economic Impact
The Thruway has had a tremendous impact on the Empire
State’s economy. Industries and commercial
enterprises are quick to take advantage of the safe,
swift and sure travel afforded by the Thruway. The
value of new or expanded industrial and commercial
development along the Thruway has long since exceeded
the billion-dollar cost of building the superhighway.
Among the major industries which have constructed
plants along the Thruway are General Electric,
IBM, General Motors, Chrysler, Bristol Laboratories,
Westinghouse, Sears Roebuck and American Machine
and Foundry. Newer enterprises sparked by the
Thruway include multi-million-dollar retail
shopping centers, trucking terminals, large
housing developments, motels, gasoline stations,
and many other types of large and small businesses.
In addition to the financial commitments for
new plants and construction along the Thruway,
the superhighway has stimulated new business
throughout the State. New York’s multi-billion-dollar
tourism industry is supported by the Thruway,
which offers ease of travel and encourages
motorists to travel often for business and
pleasure. Nearly every community along the
Thruway route has experienced this economic
revolution, and its resultant boom in real
estate values.
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Official Thruway Openings
| Date |
Terminal
Points |
New
Mileage |
Total
Mileage |
| June 24, 1954 |
Lowell-Rochester |
115 |
115 |
| August 25, 1954 |
Rochester-Buffalo |
63 |
178 |
| September 20, 1954 |
Lowell-Westmoreland |
5 |
183 |
| October 26, 1954 |
Westmoreland-Newburgh |
183 |
366 |
| December 22, 1954 |
Newburgh-Harriman |
15 |
381 |
| May 27, 1955 |
Harriman-Hillburn |
14 |
395 |
| July 1, 1955 |
Hillburn-Suffern |
1 |
396 |
| December 15, 1955 |
Suffern-Yonkers |
27 |
423 |
| August 31, 1956 |
Yonkers- New York City |
3 |
426 |
| November 8, 1956 |
Grand Island
(Five miles of new Thruway and the Grand Island bridges
built in 1935 and acquired by the Authority in 1950) |
7 |
433 |
| August 21, 1957 |
Silver Creek-Pennsylvania Line |
41 |
474 |
| August 30, 1957 |
Garden State Parkway Connection |
3 |
477 |
| December 14, 1957 |
Silver Creek-Buffalo |
29 |
506 |
| October 8, 1958 |
Berkshire Section
(Route 9 to Mass. Line) |
18 |
524 |
| October 18, 1958 |
New England Section |
15 |
539 |
| May 26, 1959 |
Berkshire Section
(Route 9 to Mainline) |
6 |
545 |
| July 30, 1959 |
Niagara Section
(A 6 1/2-mile portion from Buffalo 's east city line
to Porter Avenue , and 1 1/2 miles from the South
Grand Island Bridge to Sheridan Drive ) |
8 |
553 |
September 2, 1960
December 23, 1960 |
Niagara Section
(Between Porter Avenue and Sheridan Drive in Buffalo
, northbound lanes were opened September 2, and southbound
lanes were opened December 23) |
6 |
559 |
| October 11, 1962 |
Second South Grand Island Bridge |
--- |
559 |
| December 18, 1964 |
Second North Grand Island Bridge |
--- |
559 |
| April 1, 1991 |
Cross Westchester Expressway (I-287)
(Acquired by the Authority
from New York State ) |
11 |
570 |
| October 21, 1991 |
Interstate 84
(Also acquired from New York State ) |
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The Governor Malcolm Wilson Tappan Zee Bridge
The 3.03-mile Governor
Malcolm Wilson Tappan Zee Bridge (TZB) carries the New York State Thruway’s
mainline across the Hudson River, connecting Westchester
and Rockland Counties approximately 13 miles north
of New York City. Prior to the construction of the
TZB, only a ferry linked the two counties.
The first test borings for the TZB were sunk
in June of 1951; construction of the Bridge
began in March of 1952; and the Bridge opened
to traffic December 15, 1955. The original
approaches and structure cost approximately
$80.8 million.
The New York State Legislature approved and
the Governor signed an Act that officially
named the structure the “Tappan Zee
Bridge” February 28, 1956. The name originates
from pre-colonial days, when the area was home
to the Tappan Indian Tribe. “Zee” is
the Dutch name for open expanse of water (sea).
In 1994, the bridge was rededicated and named
the "Governor Malcolm Wilson Tappan
Zee Bridge,” in honor of the former New
York Governor.
The long-term needs of the Tappan Zee Bridge (TZB) and the adjacent I-287 Corridor are being address in a multi-agency study. In April 2001, the Authority and Metro-North initiated a comprehensive study of regional transportation needs and mobility in the 30-mile corridor along I-287 from Suffern to Port Chester, including the TZB. The focus of the Study is on the structural condition of the bridge and identifying alternatives for improving corridor mobility. In December 2005, the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) was formally included in the Study as the Team Leader. In May 2007, NYSDOT formally became the Project Director, responsible for all study management efforts and outcomes.
In January 2006, the Study's first major milestone was reached with the issuance of the Alternative Analysis (AA) report. This report identified six alternatives to be studied in more detail during the development of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), anticipated to be completed by early 2008.
In February 2007, open houses were held in both Rockland and Westchester Counties which provided the public with its first look at the results to date of the ongoing preliminary engineering work for all six alternatives under consideration in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). This work in progress showed each of the six alternatives on 50-foot-long maps. Each map included specific highway and transit features of an alternative including various sub-options for several of the alternatives.
Through out most of 2007 technical work on the study progressed, and the reactions from the public during the open houses and other stakeholder meetings were considered and resulted in some alternative options introduced in 2008. In addition, the Study team renewed regular meeting with our two federal co-lead partners, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA). As a result, process improvements were developed in 2007, and formally announced in 2008 along with an extended schedule that anticipates the DEIS is completed early 2009.
For more information visit: www.tzbsite.com/
In August 2006 the Authority awarded the Tappan Zee Bridge Deck Replacement Project. When completed approximately 40 percent of the entire deck will have been replaced, including the west end of the bridge and the main truss. In previous years, the Authority replaced half of the center lane of the causeway and the entire east truss deck.
Physical work to the Bridge's steel and deck began in the Spring of 2007 and is scheduled to be completed in 2008. The new deck, along with related repairs to the superstructure, lighting and rail, will provide more reliable service, increase safety and add convenience for motorists using this vital east-west corridor. The Authority has implemented a number of strategies to minimize the impact of this project 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 only as needed.
- Deck replacement materials will be manufactured off-site, reducing noise on-site.
For more information visit: www.nysthruway.gov/projectsandstudies/projects/tzbdeck/index.html
Today, nearly 140,000 vehicles
cross the 3.03-mile TZB every day, with volumes peaking
as high as 170,000 vehicles daily. When the
bridge opened in 1955, it carried an average
of 18,000 vehicles daily.
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The Falcon Program
In the late 1980s, the Thruway Authority added
two falcon-nesting boxes to the TZB. The boxes,
which are located high up on the main truss,
provide falcons with commanding views of the
Hudson River.
The Bridge and the falcons have a symbiotic
relationship: The nesting boxes provide falcons
with a high perch and the falcons keep pigeons
away from the bridge. Pigeon droppings are
detrimental to the paint, and consequently,
the steel on the Bridge. Before the nesting
boxes were added, many pigeons roosted on the
TZB.
Falcon-nesting boxes have since been added
to three of the Thruway Authority’s other
major bridges: the one-mile Castleton Bridge,
which spans the Hudson River approximately
10 miles south of Albany; and the two North
and two South Grand Island Bridges, which total
2.8 miles in length and span the Niagara River
approximately 12 miles south of Niagara Falls.
The nesting boxes vary in size (approximately
24” x 32” x 24”), and are
made of wood. A few inches of pea gravel are
placed in the bottom of the box, as are drain
holes. In order to enable young falcons to
exercise their wings without being accidentally
pushed out of the box, the boxes are either
oversized, or an Astroturf covered perch is
provided in front of the box.
The Peregrine Falcon is considered one of
the world’s fastest animals. Peregrine
Falcons hunt other birds by diving after them
and can exceed speeds of 200 mph while diving.
Peregrines grow 15 to 20 inches in length,
with females typically one-third larger than
males. Females typically lay two to four eggs
per year, which they incubate while the male
hunts for food. The chicks hatch after about
35 days, and both parents then hunt for food
for their young. Chicks leave the nest four
to five weeks after hatching. Thruway maintenance
work is scheduled around the Spring nesting
period.
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Tappan Zee Bridge Toll Operations
A round-trip toll on the TZB is collected from eastbound
(south) traffic, while no toll is collected from
westbound (north) traffic. This collection system
speeds the flow of traffic and improves service to
motorists. The toll is $4.50 for passenger cars;
the toll varies for commercial traffic as it is based
upon vehicle size and time of travel. As of October 2007, approximately 74 percent of all toll transactions
processed on the TZB utilize E-ZPass.
During the commuter hours of 6 a.m. - 10 a.m., E-ZPass
accounts for approximately 86 percent of toll transactions per hour at the Tappan Zee Bridge.
The Tappan Zee Bridge has had congestion pricing
in effect for commercial vehicles since 1997
in an effort to discourage commercial traffic
from crossing the Bridge during rush hours.
Extending congestion pricing for all vehicles
remains an option. In addition, the Thruway
Authority is currently helping to implement
traffic demand management alternatives designed
to reduce traffic. These alternatives include
programs that encourage van pooling and the
use of shuttle and bus service. The Authority
is also examining the feasibility of additional
park and ride lots and increased ferry service.
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Tappan Zee Bridge Personnel
A 70-member maintenance crew, headed by a professional
Engineer, performs inspections and preventive maintenance
of the TZB on a daily basis. The work includes painting,
deck repairs, substructure concrete repairs and steel
repairs. Since most of the Bridge is over water,
two tug boats, two work boats, four barges and several pieces of
lift equipment facilitate inspection and maintenance operations. The Thruway Authority furnishes its own personnel
and equipment to handle emergency breakdowns of vehicles
crossing the Bridge. Disabled vehicles are towed to special parking areas
on either side of the Bridge, where Thruway Authority
truck operators work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Three tow trucks and a flat bed truck are in service
on the Bridge.
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New York State Canal System
At one time, more than 50,000 people depended on
the Erie Canal for their livelihood. From its inception,
the Erie Canal helped form a whole new culture revolving
around Canal life. For many, canal boats became floating
houses, traveling from town to town. The father would
serve as captain, while the mother cooked for the
family and crew and the children, if old enough,
would serve as “hoggees” and would walk
alongside the mules to lead them along at a steady
pace.
For those who traveled along the Canal in
packet boats or passenger vessels, the Canal
was an exciting place. Gambling and entertainment
were popular pastimes on the Canal and often,
families would meet each year at the same locations
to share stories and adventures. Today, the
Canal has returned to its former glory and
is filled with pleasure boats, fishermen and
cyclists riding the former towpaths where mules
once trod. The excitement of the past is alive
and well.
On November 5, 1992, the New York State Thruway
Authority formed the New
York State Canal Corporation and took over the operation and maintenance
of the 524-mile New York State Canal System.
The Canal System, which was formerly operated
by the New York State Department of Transportation,
is comprised of the Erie, Champlain, Oswego
and Cayuga-Seneca Canals. The historic waterway
provides seasonal navigation between the major
water bodies of New York State.
The Canal Corporation has transformed the
Canal System into a world class recreationway,
with clustered development to foster recreation,
tourism and economic development, while preserving
the natural and historical environment of the
System and its adjacent communities.
In 1996, with Governor George Pataki’s
support, the Thruway Authority and Canal Corporation
launched a five-year, $32.3 million initiative
to preserve and develop the Canal System for
the 21st century. The Canal Revitalization
Program presented a realistic and achievable
approach to Canal System development. Major
harbors have been constructed in Whitehall,
Waterford, Little Falls, Oswego, Syracuse,
Seneca Falls, Rochester and the Tonawandas.
Additional improvements were made in dozens
of Canal communities as part of this program.
In 2000, the National Parks Service designated
the 524-miles of waterway that make up the
Canal System, and more than 200 surrounding
Canal communities, as the “Erie Canalway
National Heritage Corridor.” A 27-member
commission was named to oversee the corridor
by pursuing the integration of Canal-related
historical, cultural, recreational, scenic,
economic and community development initiatives.
In 2002, Canal improvements and preservation
efforts continued as part of Governor George
E. Pataki’s $50 million Canal Revitalization
Program. A major focus of Governor Pataki’s
Program is the investment of $35 million to
complete the Erie Canalway Bike and Pedestrian
Trail, linking Lake Erie in Buffalo to the
Hudson River in Albany. The $50 million program
will be financed with $25 million from the
federal Department of Transportation Enhancement
Program, which is administered by the State
Department of Transportation, and $25 million
in Canal Corporation capital funds.
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Canal Facts
The 524-mile Canal System is made up of four Canals:
the 338-mile Erie Canal, from Waterford to the Tonawandas,
the 60-mile Champlain Canal, from Whitehall to Waterford,
the 24-mile Oswego Canal, from Oswego to the Erie
Canal at Three Rivers Junction, and the 92-mile Cayuga-Seneca
Branch, which encompasses both lakes of the same
names and the Canal, connecting them and passing
through Seneca Falls. Connections to the Syracuse
and Rochester Harbors make up an additional 10 miles
of the Canal System as well.
The Canal System consists of 57 locks and
18 lift bridges (16 on the Erie Canal and two
on the Oswego Canal). Locks and lift bridges
operate daily from early May to early November.
The highest lift (40.5 feet high) on the System
is at Lock 17 in Little Falls. Waterford’s “Flight
of Five” is the highest flight within
the shortest span in the world, lifting 169
feet in 1.5 miles.
During peak navigation season, from late May
to early October, the locks and lift bridges
are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Hours are reduced
during other periods of the navigation season.
Clearances for navigating under bridges that
cross the Canal System are: 20 feet for the
Oswego Canal and the Erie Canal (from Waterford
to Three Rivers Junction), 17 feet for the
Champlain Canal, and 15.5 feet for the Cayuga-Seneca
Canal and the Erie Canal (from Three Rivers
Junction to Tonawanda).
The Oswego Canal and the Erie Canal (from
Waterford to Three Rivers Junction) are approximately
10 feet deep. The Champlain Canal, Cayuga-Seneca
Canal, and the Erie Canal (from Three Rivers
Junction to Tonawanda) are approximately nine
feet deep. Channel depths are subject to variation.
It takes the average boat approximately 20
minutes to go through a Lock. The lock chambers
are approximately 300 feet in length, allowing
boats up to 296 feet in length and 43.5 feet
in width to lock through.
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Canal Tolls
All recreation use tolls for 2006 have been waived. No passes are necessary for recreational boaters.
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Commercial Canal Shipping
Around-the-clock service is available for commercial
traffic. However, commercial operators must provide
at least 24-hour prior notice to the New York State
Canal Corporation to arrange for roving lock operations.
Commercial operators requiring after-hours service
should contact the Canal Traffic Agent at (518) 471-5016,
Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
After business hours and on weekends, commercial
interests should call Lock 12 on the Champlain Canal
at (518) 499-1700.
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Permit Fees on the Canal
All commercial vessels navigating the Canal System
must file an “Application for Canal Commercial
Operator” with the New York State Thruway Authority,
Department of Finance and Accounts. The annual fees
for commercial operators to navigate the Canal System
are: $750 for tugs and barges, $300 for hire boats,
$30 per passenger capacity, for tour vessels with
overnight accommodations, $10 per passenger capacity,
for hourly dayliners.
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Tugboat Urger
The tugboat Urger is the flagship vessel
in the New York State Canal Corporation’s fleet.
Built in 1901 in Ferrysburg, Michigan, this venerable
tug is one of the oldest working vessels in the country
still afloat. Originally built for use as a commercial
fishing vessel, the Urger was originally
christened the “Henry J. Dornbos,” after
a prominent Michigan merchant. It was described in
the Detroit Free Press as the “finest fishing
boat in the local fishing fleet.” In the early
1920s, the tug was sold, renamed the Urger,
and entered the New York State Canal fleet. The Urger,
stationed in Waterford, served more than 60 years
hauling machinery, dredges and scows on the Erie
and Champlain Canals until it was retired from service
in the 1980s. In 2001, the Urger was named
to the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
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Education
In 1991, the Canal Corporation’s flagship vessel,
the tugboat Urger, was called back into
service with a new mission, serving as the focal
point of a program to educate school children and
adults about the importance of New York’s historic
Canal System and the role that inland waterways have
played historically, and continue to play, in the
lives of people who live along them. In the spring
and fall, the Urger visits communities along
the Canal System and students in fourth-grade classes
at local schools take field trips to the tug and
participate in shore-side “hands-on” educational
sessions. There they learn about the history of the
Canals and the role construction of the Erie Canal
played in making New York the “ Empire State.” The
New York State Canal Corporation presents the educational
program at no charge to the participating schools.
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Annual Events on the Canal
Visit the New York State Canal Corporation's website to view the various annual events that take place on the canal.
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