For immediate release: January 10, 2014
GIANT FLOATING CRANE PREPARES FOR PASSAGE THROUGH THE PANAMA CANAL, EN ROUTE TO NEW NY BRIDGE PROJECT
The journey that began late last month for one of the world’s largest floating cranes continues as it prepares to pass through the Panama Canal this weekend.
The crane, known as the Left Coast Lifter, is expected to begin its passage through the Panama Canal as soon as Saturday, Jan. 11, and updated information on its journey will be available at NewNYBridge.com. It departed from Oakland, California, on Dec. 22, escorted by tug boats, and is expected to arrive in New York at the end of the January.
A fourth construction camera is now live and is also available on the project website. The public can stay up-to-date on the progress of the New NY Bridge project with views from this camera, which captures construction as viewed from Tarrytown, as well as through those already live from Rockland County, Westchester County and on the bridge. An interactive archive calendar also allows viewers to take a look back at progress already made.
As weather permits, Tappan Zee Constructors, LLC (TZC) will continue construction of the foundation of the New NY Bridge with ongoing installation of permanent piles. TZC plans to begin full production again on Monday, Jan. 13, assuming temperatures rise and ice clears the river.
On Monday, Jan. 13 and Tuesday, Jan. 14, the southbound, right-hand lane and shoulder of the New York State Thruway (I-87/I-287) near exit 10 in Nyack will be closed from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Wednesday, Jan. 15 and Thursday, Jan. 16, the northbound, right-hand lane and shoulder of the Thruway (I-87/I-287) near exit 10 in Nyack will be closed from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., to allow for work on the northbound maintenance ramp.
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 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 at NewNYbridge.com under the “Boater Safety” icon.
Ongoing Operations:
• Rockland access ramp modifications
• Armoring of dredge channel
• River Road utility work
• Test pile program
• Permanent pile installation
• Temporary Rockland trestle construction, including pile driving on weekdays 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Survey inspections on existing bridge
• Support for river-based work from the Rockland shoreline
• Reinforcement steel pre-assembly at bridge yard