Gov. Cuomo released a statement on Monday urging the federal government to approve the Tappan Zee Bridge Project as soon as possible so the project can move forward.
The Tappan Zee Bridge, part of the New York State Thruway, sees 135,000 vehicles daily, “with upward of 160,000 vehicles on some weekends,” and “a total of approximately 45 million vehicles in 2010,” according to a press release.
Hurricane Irene and an out-of-place earthquake also brought concern that the bridge, which was built between 1952 and 1955, is deteriorating.
“The loss of the Tappan Zee, or reduction in lanes or load limits, would overtax alternate routes and have a catastrophic economic impact on the region,” says the release, adding that every dollar invested in highway work garners nearly five times the investment. A potential multibillion-dollar investment could create tens of thousands of jobs.
New York even submitted the bridge project for a competition launched by President Barack Obama for states to submit high priority, job-creating projects that could win expedited federal approvals.
If the federal review happens quickly enough, work on the bridge could begin as early as next year.
Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos was among the elected officials adding his voice to the announcement, saying “I urge the federal government to expedite approval for this important project, which will create tens of thousands of jobs. Major investments in infrastructure are exactly what New York needs to jumpstart our economy and restore safety to heavily traveled bridges and other arteries.”
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