Tappan Zee Bridge v2.0: Dedicated Walking & Bike Path?

The New York State Thruway Authority may begin work on a new bridge to replace the 56-year-old Tappan Zee Bridge as early as next year, and is seriously considering a proposal to maintain it as a separate route for pedestrians and cyclists.

Already six years past its projected lifespan, the Tappan Zee Bridge would cost $150 million to demolish, compared to the $50 million annual maintenance bill it runs under current conditions.

So Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner suggested that the state hang onto it. "The idea immediately gained support from biking and pedestrian groups," writes Peter Applebome, and those groups in turn came together to form the Tappan Bridge Park Alliance.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo called the idea "exciting" and, along with the executive director of the State Thruway Authority, expressed support for further study of the project.