For Immediate Release: December 15, 2006

TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE REPAIRS TO CONTINUE
Off-Peak Bridge Repairs, Maintenance Scheduled Monday - Wednesday
No Work Scheduled Thursday & Friday Due To Christmas Holiday

The New York State Thruway Authority today announced that routine repairs on the Tappan Zee Bridge will continue Monday, December 18, thru Wednesday, December 20 2006, during off-peak travel times.

The Authority will suspend work on the Tappan Zee Bridge on Thursday, December 21, and Friday, December 22 in an effort to minimize traffic congestion for the Christmas Holiday. The Authority reminds motorists to be mindful of heavier traffic and obey the State’s traffic laws, especially within work zones.

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 Authority appreciates motorists’ patience and understanding while these necessary repairs take place.

Following is next week’s tentative lane closure schedule. 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.

The schedule below does not include any emergency work that may arise, and is subject to change depending on traffic patterns and inclement weather.

• Monday, December 18:  Right lane northbound closed for bridge maintenance beginning at milepost 13.1 to 16.1, between 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, December 19: Right lane northbound closed for bridge maintenance beginning at milepost 13.1 to 16.1, between 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, December 20: Right lane southbound closed for bridge maintenance beginning at milepost 16.1 to 13.1, between 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
• Thursday, December 21: No Setup – Holiday Restriction
• Friday, December 22:  No Setup – Holiday Restriction

All lane closures are subject to change due to traffic, weather or emergency situations.

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.

- 30 -

Return to Thruway Press Releases