Faces and Places: Tappan Zee Bridge – Crossing Over to the Future

The Tappan Zee Bridge/I-287 Corridor Project Team, which includes the state Department of Transportation, the New York State Thruway Authority and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's Metro-North Railroad recently presented potential designs of the new Tappan Zee Bridge, and transit alignments. 

The team assures that the bridge is currently safe due to scrupulous maintenance and inspection – but that structural needs of the bridge need to be addressed.

As congestion continues to worsen and the pressing need for a new bridge seems evident, the team sees an opportunity to expand the transit needs of the region. You can read about the recent alignments and transit alternatives here.  

The project is expected to be one of the largest in the United States and would double the current width of the bridge. With such a massive undertaking happening in our own back yard, we wanted to ask local residents how they felt about the project.

"What do you know about the plans for the new Tappan Zee Bridge and what is your opinion?"

Jeffery Sypher, 40s, of Mamaroneck, Pete's Saloon staff

"I think it's a good idea, maybe it will improve the traffic flow. Have you seen the traffic in the morning? Adding a train line is a good idea too; I'd rather take a train than be stuck in traffic. It would cut down air pollution and congestion."

Arthur Ceconi, of Sleepy Hollow, Retired

"I don't have that strong feelings about it because of my age, it will not effect my life. If they do build a bridge it should be just a bridge, not for trains or pedestrians. I would hate to see southern Tarrytown destroyed."

Carolyn Swenson, of Tappan Landing, Tarrytown

"We live right next to the bridge. I don't think what we say will make a difference in the final plans; we are a community of a few houses. There should be a tunnel that directs the traffic to White Plains, where most people are going anyway. Why do we have to deal with huge amounts of traffic in our small town?"

Jennifer Cepeda, 20, of Sleepy Hollow

"I think they should build it. That thing is falling apart. Build a new one please. I might go to the Palisades a little more often."

Jessica Jaffe, 20s, of Tarrytown (not pictured)

"I know people that are really unhappy, but I don't care. I am moving away. I don't know what the environmental impact could be, but there always is with major construction projects."

Cody Hoffmann, 20, of Sleepy Hollow, Student

"It's going to take up too many tax dollars. I don't know why they need to replace it. What is wrong with this one? This bridge is historic."

Joey Lipman, 21, of Irvington, Martial Arts Instructor

"I've heard of some plans, possibly a train line. I disapprove, the human race needs to slow down, we need to maintain what we have. If we do build a new one, it should be done minimally and the material from the old bridge should be put to good use. We need to stop developing materialistically and start developing connections between each other."

Mike, late 20s, of Tarrytown (not pictured)

"We are putting people to work, like the New Deal. We need large scale projects to pull us out of this economic downturn."