For immediate release: December 6, 2013 INSTALLATION OF PERMANENT PILES CONTINUES, Construction activities continue on the foundations for the New NY Bridge with the ongoing installation of permanent piles. The entrance ramp to the Tappan Zee Bridge (I-87 northbound/I-287 westbound) from South Broadway (Route 9) in Tarrytown is now closed to traffic for the duration of the New NY Bridge project. Signs are in place to direct motorists to the entrance ramp located nearby on White Plains Road (Route 119.) As a result of the closure, motorists who wish to travel northbound/ westbound on the Thruway are directed to bear right immediately after the closed ramp, onto what is referred to as the “jughandle” for Route 119. Motorists will proceed approximately 0.2 miles east on Route 119, turning right onto the I-87 northbound/I-287 westbound entrance ramp. Tappan Zee Constructors, LLC (TZC) will utilize the area surrounding the ramp for storage and staging, which will in turn reduce the amount of construction traffic on local roadways. Complete closure is required for the construction of the New NY Bridge in order to ensure safety for motorists and project workers. Excavation and preparation work for installation of permanent sound barriers continues along I-87 northbound /I-287 westbound in the area south of exit 10 in Rockland County. From Monday, Dec. 9 to Thursday, Dec. 12, one northbound right-hand lane and shoulder on I-87/I-287 near exit 10 in Nyack will be closed from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mariners should be aware that TZC will be installing permanent piles in the vicinity of the side channels under the existing bridge. Pile driving will take place between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays, and occasionally between noon and 7 p.m. on Saturdays. New temporary navigational lights have been installed to further define the 600-foot navigation channel under the main span. Both temporary and permanent piles are illuminated at night. The U.S. Coast Guard has issued a revised Notice to Mariners with updated safety information, including the establishment of a Regulated Navigation Area (RNA) 300 yards north and 200 yards south of the existing Tappan Zee Bridge. All boaters are advised to use the main channel, reduce wake and use extreme caution while transiting the area. If necessary, the Coast Guard in the future may temporarily prohibit all vessel traffic in the RNA for safety purposes. The Coast Guard boating safety information can be found on the project website under the “Boating Safety” icon. Ongoing operations:
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