Crossing the New Tappan Zee Bridge in NY
Located in the U.S. state of New York, the Governor Malcolm Wilson Tappan Zee Bridge was a cantilever bridge is 16,013 feet (4,881 m) long. It was very scary and one of the top 10 most insecure bridges in the country. It is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
What was the Tappan Zee Bridge?
The bridge crossing the Hudson River had a special fear associated with it because it was so long with no shoulders. The Tappan Zee Bridge was a critical transportation link spanning the Hudson River in the state of New York, USA. It connected South Nyack in Rockland County to Tarrytown in Westchester County. Opening to traffic in 1955, it served as a vital artery for commuters and travelers crossing the Hudson River north of New York City. From 1998 to 2008, more than 25 people committed suicide on the bridge.
Why was the Tappan Zee Bridge replaced?
Initially designed to accommodate around 100,000 vehicles per day, the Tappan Zee Bridge quickly exceeded its capacity due to population growth and increased traffic volumes. This led to congestion, safety concerns, and the need for a replacement bridge to meet modern transportation demands.
What’s the New Tappan Zee Bridge?
In 2017, the new Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge (also known as the New Tappan Zee Bridge) was opened alongside the original structure. The new bridge features modern engineering and design, including wider lanes, shoulders, and a dedicated bicycle and pedestrian path. The new Tappan Zee Bridge is composed of two cable-stayed decks and has a total length of 16,368 ft (4,989.0 m; 3.1 mi; 5.0 km)
Is the Tappan Zee Bridge still in use?
Following the opening of the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, the original Tappan Zee Bridge was gradually dismantled. Demolition efforts culminated in the complete removal of the old bridge by 2019. While no longer standing, the Tappan Zee Bridge remains an important piece of New York's infrastructure history, symbolizing the state's commitment to innovation and progress in transportation.