Worries Over TZB Collapse Keeps 2nd New Span From Opening

TARRYTOWN, NY — The second span of the new Mario M. Cuomo Bridge did not open late Friday night after engineers from Tappan Zee Constructors said they were concerned that the remains of the old bridge could collapse onto the new structure. Additionally, the Coast Guard shut down the navigation channel under the bridge.

The shift in traffic from the westbound span to the eastbound which was already underway was canceled, the Journal News said.

Inspectors will be evaluating the situation, News 12 said.

Matthew J. Driscoll, the Thruway Authority's executive director, issued a statement Saturday morning about the situation.

"In continued disassembly of the old Tappan Zee Bridge last night, a potentially dangerous situation developed where a piece of the old bridge has become destabilized and could fall. Given its proximity to the new completed span, out of an abundance of caution, motorists will remain in the current traffic configuration until a thorough evaluation by Tappan Zee Constructors is complete. The second span is finished and ready to open to traffic as soon as the Thruway Authority is assured there is no risk to the new span," he said.‎

Just Friday morning, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Matilda Cuomo, the widow of Gov. Mario Cuomo, were on the new bridge celebrating the plan to open the eastbound span.

A spokesperson for the Thruway Authority told the Journal News that an update on the traffic switch will be provided when the evaluation of the old structure is completed.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was updated to include a statement from the executive director of the state Thruway authority.

Photo caption: The Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. Photo credit: NYS Thruway Authority.