Archive for the ‘Tappan Zee Bridge’ Category
Second Outreach Center closes; New Exit 10; SUP Work continues; Toll Relief for Local Residents
What remained of the Tappan Zee Bridge lingered into 2019: its east anchor span was to be demolished, then weather intervened, and then it happened. A new configuration to Thruway Exit 10 eliminated a portion of the loop, where motorists could exit to Clinton Avenue; second and third traffic patterns for the exit were to follow.
Work continued on the westbound span’s path and connecting spur path, the old bridge’s supports were disappearing, and four Peregrine falcon chicks needed names. The west anchor span was removed, local students named the chicks, new webcams showed progress on the landings, and my mom took her first car trip across the new bridge.
Low turnout was reported at July’s toll advisory panel meetings; ArtsWestchester and the Thruway Authority asked artists to propose ideas for a mural and bicycle racks. A broken car on en route to the iconic concert 50 years ago became a “how we met” story for their children and grandchildren.
Come fall, New Yorkers chose a new state license plate (some wanted the design above, which was not one of the five choices), and further changes were made to Exit 10 yet did not relieve traffic. People noticed the I Lift NY left the project site five years after its arrival in Piermont.
A completely reconfigured Exit 10 opened in early October, one scenic overlook was completed the following month, and residents of bridge-bordering counties learned about minimal future toll increases. Although the Nyack Outreach Center closed this month, educational programs continue into spring/summer.
The path, its hours to be determined, is expected to open sometime next year.
![](https://nykeypad.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/december-2016.jpg?w=300&h=225)
It would have been wiser not to leave my hat on the bus: temps were freezing that day! Photo/Gov. Cuomo’s staff
I’ve covered this story since March 2012, when an editor sent me to hear residents’ concerns in Tarrytown. Plans for the project’s anticipated progress — detailed in subsequent meetings — became reality with each turn of the calendar. Freelance reporting is pure joy and sometimes challenging, and this has been both.
I’d like to know what you think.
Copyright © Janie Rosman and Kaleidoscope Eyes 2019
TBT: Early 1950s South Nyack prior to the TZB
Photo of the South Nyack train station, the Blue Flame, Eddie Nolan’s Restaurant Bar, and Gus Gaetjen’s Garage prior to being razed.
Demolition for the Tappan Zee Bridge and the New York State Thruway’s Exit 10 carried on in front of them February 1, 1954, less than two years before the bridge opened.
Photo of this former village landmark was taken in 1953; the station, located on Cornelison Avenue, was photographed in 1951.
Progress has again changed the village: there’s a new traffic pattern at Exit 10, and the greenery and solace found within the Esposito Trail to be replaced by a side path alongside the cinder trail.
Images are courtesy of the Nyack Library, New York Heritage Digital Collections, https://cdm16694.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/nyacklib/id/359/rec/3
I’d like to know what you think.
Copyright © Janie Rosman and Kaleidoscope Eyes 2015