Streamlined Tappan Zee Bridge Rebuild Approved By U.S.

The federal government approved a streamlined process to expedite the bridge's replacement. Key would be to remove transit plans for the new bridge, thus keeping costs down, but that has raised questions about not providing alternatives to driving.

2 minute read

October 15, 2011, 9:00 AM PDT

By Irvin Dawid


The 1955 cantilever bridge is costing NY $100 million annually in repairs. Plans for its replacement or repair have long been in the works.

"Citing the bridge's deteriorating condition, the federal Department of Transportation decided it would let the state go forward with the project as long as it streamlined its earlier plan to make a new bridge a centerpiece of a $21 billion, 30-mile transportation corridor. The federal agency said it would help speed up the process for the state to build a $5.2 billion eight-lane bridge, to which mass transit could be added in the future."

"But it is not clear how much the construction may cost commuters. Jeffrey M. Zupan, a senior fellow for transportation with the Regional Plan Association, said issuing the bonds for $3 billion would mean an increase on the bridge's toll. The toll, now $5, could be raised by as much as $10 each year for the duration of the project, Mr. Zupan said. At the same time, commuters have no immediate alternatives.

"What they're basically saying to the driver is, ‘We're going to raise your toll and by the way we're not going to improve public transit,' " Mr. Zupan said. "And we're not going to give you an option other than driving."

From lohud.com: Tappan Zee Bridge project details to be unveiled at Oct. 25, 27 briefings: "By assuming the dominant role, the Federal Highway Administration will help speed up the review and approval of the project, which will no longer consider rail and bus rapid transit services along Interstate 287 through Rockland and Westchester. This will allow it to focus on building a new span over the Hudson River."

Wednesday, October 12, 2011 in The New York Times - N.Y. / Region

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 14, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Aerial view of Chicago with river in foreground.

Chicago Approves Green Affordable Housing Plan

The Mayor’s plan calls for creating a nonprofit housing corporation tasked with building affordable housing that meets Green Building standards.

May 8, 2025 - CBS News Chicago

Close-up on e-scooters parked in painted designated parking area on city street.

E-Scooter Parking: A Guide

How smart planning — and ample designated parking — can end conflicts over shared scooters.

May 14 - Streetsblog USA

Aerial view of Bozeman, Montana with mountains in background.

‘It’s Been 50 years’: Public Transit Law Passes in Montana

Legislation would fix transportation district issue, allow for greater reach on city bus routes.

May 14 - Daily Montanan

Illustration of nighttime city with white lines connecting nodes to illustrate technology and connectivity

Top 10 Tech-Ready Cities

An index ranks U.S. cities based on their preparedness for the ‘smart city future.’

May 14 - Smart Cities Dive