What To Know About TZB Demolition: 5 Things

TARRYTOWN, NY — After being postponed because high winds hampered the preparation for the controlled demolition of a portion of the old Tappan Zee Bridge, Tappan Zee Constructors, the company that built the new Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge and is in charge of bringing down the old bridge, is going to take another crack at it.

Here are five things you need to know about the controlled demolition:

When

Approximately 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15, weather permitting.

Procedure

Tappan Zee Constructors will be bringing down the old Tappan Zee Bridge's damaged east anchor span with a controlled demolition. The charges will be used to "deliberately fail vertical members supporting the span, allowing the demolition team to safely lower the span eastward, away from the main navigation channel," the TZC said. The material will be removed from the river during the following weeks. What will be visible after the operation will be portions of the old east anchor span above the water line.

Weather

If you will be outside watching the demolition, bundle up. AccuWeather.com is forecasting mostly sunny skies with a temperature of 29 degrees, though it will feel like 28 degrees. Winds will be out of the north northwest at 7 mph.

Traffic shutdown

At 10 a.m., crews will close entrance ramps to the northbound/westbound Thruway at:

• Exit 9 (Tarrytown-Sleepy Hollow-Route 9)
• Route 110 in Elmsford
• Saw Mill Parkway (Exit 22)

Entrance ramps to the southbound/eastbound Thruway will also be closed at:

• Exit 10 (Nyack-South Nyack-US Route 9W)
• Exit 11 in Nyack (Nyack-South Nyack-US Route 9W)

State police will also be stopping traffic in both directions at 10 a.m. on I-87/I-287 between Exit 11 in Nyack (Nyack-South Nyack-US Route 9W) and Exit 9 (Tarrytown-Sleepy Hollow-Route 9) for about 45 minutes.

State police will reopen the ramps and release traffic after Tappan Zee Contractors has determined that the area is safe.

Motorists are strongly advised to avoid travel in this area during this time. Those traveling in the vicinity of this operation should expect severe delays and plan accordingly, including seeking alternate routes.

There will be a channel closure on the Hudson River from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15. Boaters are strongly advised to avoid the area. Tune to Marine Radio Channel 22A for latest information.

Viewing areas

Tarrytown police said those interested in watching the demolition may do so in the village at Pierson Park or the Warner Library. There will be parking restrictions in some residential areas close to the bridge.

Piermont police said due to the controlled demolition of the bridge being rescheduled to Tuesday, Jan. 15 between 10 a.m. and noon the pier will closed to vehicular traffic on Tuesday. Spectators should arrive by 9 a.m. Pedestrians will be permitted to walk on the pier. The bridge can viewed anywhere along Ferry road which is 1.2 miles long. Lot D and the River Lot will be available as will some side streets for parking. Officials attending should arrive by 8:30 a.m. The pier will be secured on Monday night Jan. 14 and opened some time in afternoon of Tuesday, Jan. 15 when it is safe to do so without putting pedestrians in danger.

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Image via New York Thruway Authority webcam.