1st Day On New Bridge [VIDEO]

On Saturday morning, the first day that traffic actually got onto the new bridge from Tarrytown to Nyack, New York Thruway officials reported slow traffic, stop and go traffic, and delays on I-87 - NYS Thruway northbound from milepost 11.4 to 15.0 between exit 8 and the Tappan Zee Bridge.

It was the first day that north/westbound traffic has been diverted onto a span of the new bridge still under construction.

The Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge opened to traffic early Saturday morning. Initially, only four northbound/westbound lanes are open to traffic. There will be a total of eight traffic lanes on the first span in a temporary traffic pattern.

"The Thruway Authority thanks motorists for their patience during this work. Motorists are strongly encouraged to follow the reduced speed limit and remain alert as they travel over the new Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge," said Khurram Saeed, New NY Bridge project spokesman.

The new, temporary traffic pattern puts west- and north-bound motorists onto one of the new spans.

State transportation officials note:

The first span, specifically its landing areas, remains an active construction site. In the second lane from the right, motorists will see a drivable concrete strip — outside the normal wheel path — that is the base for the future bicycle-walking path concrete barrier. As such, the posted speed limit will be 45 mph for the safety of motorists and construction workers. The Thruway Authority strongly encourages motorists to abide by the speed limit and remain alert as they travel over the bridge. Motorists should also be aware that the far right westbound lane will be separated by a solid white line just before the cable-stayed area of the bridge and at the curve approaching Rockland, indicating a “no-passing” zone.

Watch this video of the work crews finishing up and the first cars coming through. Note the whooping near the end!

SEE ALSO:

• New Tappan Zee Bridge: Gov. Cuomo Opens Rockland-Bound Span
• Details Released On Friday's Traffic Shift From Old Bridge
• Day 1 On The New Bridge: Take the Rockland Bus For A Safe Photo Shoot!
• Q&A On The Mario Cuomo Bridge: 1st Span Opening And More

PHOTO: The first vehicles to cross the northern span of the new Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge from Tarrytown to Nyack. (Philip Kamrass/ Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo)