LoHud May 15, 2014 Theresa Juva-Brown
President Obama Barack announced in late 2011 that replacing the Tappan Zee Bridge was a top infrastructure priority, reviving a decade-old plan that many believed would never happen.
With a big boost from Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the project raced ahead, and in Dec. 2012 the New York State Thruway Authority awarded a $3.1 billion construction contract to Tappan Zee Constructors. The twin-span crossing is set to be completed in 2018.
Here’s what to know about one of the largest public works projects in North America:
$3.9 to $4.8 billion: estimated final project price tag after financing, management and contigency costs are added.
$1.6 billion: the federal loan the project is receiving under the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program.
6,000: number of miles the Left Coast Lifter traveled from California to New Jersey, where it is being docked before going up the Hudson River next month. It is one of the world’s largest floating cranes.
1,750: metric tons the Left Coast Lifter can hoist. It will be used to move enormous deck sections and take down the existing bridge.
1,000: the number of steel pipe piles that will be installed in the river to support the foundation of the crossing.
350: number of workers currently toiling away on the river.