Uneven Lane no worry for Rider; Barrier Update

This afternoon the far right lane — that will become the shared use path — was blocked by orange cones. Signs posted on the overhead gantries tell motorcyclists the second lane (that will become the breakdown lane) is uneven.

This ambitious person was riding on a motorcycle, and apparently neither the gantries’ message about the road surface nor the road itself bothered him.

Good for him! Take note, drivers who complain about the uneven right lanes.

Because of the orange cones there was traffic — yes, really — on the Westchester approach span. It gave me a chance to see a bit of the new maintenance facility progress. And . . . the concrete barrier was moved so there were still four lanes westbound.

Speaking of barrier, next week crews will start removing the structures that store the Tappan Zee Bridge’s movable barrier and will also replace sections of its concrete barrier — that separates eastbound traffic from the empty lanes — with orange traffic barrels.

I’d like to know what you think.

Copyright © Janie Rosman and Kaleidoscope Eyes 2017

Maintenance Facility Structure is taking Shape

These photos of the new maintenance facility near the Westchester landing were taken two weeks ago, when I drove across the new span.

Crews are constructing walls and preparing steel fabrications, and they continue building footing and retaining walls for the police facility on the south side of the Thruway.

I’d like to know what you think.

Copyright © Janie Rosman and Kaleidoscope Eyes 2017

Road being Readied; Thruway Facility Underway

Start of Thruway Authority facility at the Westchester shared use path landing/NYSTA

Seven days left for motorists to drive westbound on the Tappan Zee Bridge. As crews ready the roadway for the August 25 overnight shift, they will stripe the westbound span’s traffic lanes and landings.

Because you have to watch out for motorists who cross the solid white lines on the current bridge’s approach spans you may have missed seeing progress on the maintenance facility in Tarrytown.

Project officials report crews are installing the exterior (phase three). Phase one was pouring reinforced concrete, and phase two was installing structural steel. The first photo is what it looked like months ago, and the above photo shows a current view looking east. Photo courtesy of New York State Thruway Authority.

I’d like to know what you think.

Copyright © Janie Rosman and Kaleidoscope Eyes 2017

Walking the Esposito Trail with My Thoughts

People were driving sooo slooowly this afternoon. Traffic began right after cars merged from Exit 9 onto the Thruway. The speed (constant braking) allowed me to see how far work on the new maintenance facility has progressed.

The Esposito Trail was pretty and lined with lush greenery. I took notice of the side where the new path will be built and kept thinking it will be gone by this time next year.

There were bicyclists and no other walkers in the late afternoon, and when they rode by I stepped aside. It was quiet and respectful, and I understand why some in the village want to keep it that way: no side path.

Beyond the green (west) I saw fencing and the outline of cars that completed the huge circle and chose to bear right into South Nyack. That’s if you look for the fencing. Hard to imagine what it will be like walking the trail, which will remain cinder, once the new path is built.

The state’s survey closes July 9; the village has been responding and has been making itself heard to the board and via lawn signs posted since January.

There’s still time to complete it and tell project officials what you think.

Copyright © Janie Rosman and Kaleidoscope Eyes 2017

Tower Crane Removal; Structures Underway

Checking out the cranes as the towers gain height via jump forms/© Janie Rosman 2016

Six months (brr!) ago the towers ceremoniously got their last cement pour, after which tower cranes began to remove the blue jump forms that helped build them.

The blue forms are a thing of the past, and recently the main span tower cranes said their goodbyes to the project. No longer needed, the second of two red tower cranes that helped construct the main span will soon be gone.

* * * * *

Instead of calling the driver in front of you names for crossing the solid line to get in front of you — HELLO. Other. Driver. It’s. A. Solid. Line. For. A. Reason. — look to the right (if it’s safe to do so). You’ll see additional concrete walls and formwork on the new maintenance facility in Tarrytown.

Here’s what it looked like yesterday per the New NY Bridge’s webcam. Near the top right (on the south side of the Thruway) are retaining walls and footing for the new state police facility.

I’d like to know what you think.

Copyright © Janie Rosman and Kaleidoscope Eyes 2017