The state Thruway Authority intends to save elements of the bridge when it’s torn down in 2017 to make way for its $3.9 billion replacement. The authority has provided a  list of  materials to be saved in its contract with Tappan Zee Constructors, the team designing and building the new crossing.

The list includes  150 concrete deck panel units from the bridge’s causeway; 15,000 feet of steel barrier installed on them; the movable barrier and the machines that shift it; the bridge’s necklace lighting; light stanchions; fiber-optic cables and other equipment.

“Anything that can be salvaged by others will be salvaged,” said Ted Nadratowski, the Thruway’s interim director of maintenance and operations.

The elements will be used for other Thruway projects. Nadratowski said the precast deck panels, for example, could be shortened and used as small culverts on the Thruway.

Recent rehabilitation work includes $385 million to replace much of the road deck on the Tappan Zee since 2007. The project is largely complete and is expected to wrap up by the end of this month, Nadratowski said.

Reusing some of the old bridge was a good idea, said Assemblyman Tom Abinanti, D-Mount Pleasant.

“The old adage of reduce, reuse and recycle applies here,” he said.

Abinanti said he was “disappointed” that Thruway officials didn’t put more emphasis on finding another use for the bridge. He was among those who pitched the idea of using the old bridge as a park. But that wouldn’t be possible since the new southern span will meet land where the current bridge sits.

Still, he suggested part of the bridge could have been reused or the landing redesigned to incorporate fishing piers or some amenity for the public.

“They never did a serious study of how can you use the existing structure in some way, shape or form,” Abinanti said. “I like the idea of reusing it any way you can.”

http://www.lohud.com/article/20130919/NEWS02/309170068