Press Releases
For Immediate Release: March 11, 2008
Contact: Jenifer Post
New York State Department of Transportation
518-457-6400
TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE PLAN COMMENTS ACCEPTED THROUGH MARCH
Public Can Submit Comments in Writing or On Line
More than 330 people attended recent informational meetings about the proposed Tappan Zee Bridge/I-287 corridor improvement project and public comments about it are being accepted through March 31.
“Mobility on the Tappan Zee Bridge and I-287 corridor is important to the economy and quality of life in the lower Hudson Valley,” State Department of Transportation Commissioner Astrid C. Glynn said. “Through an extensive community involvement process, we are continuing to encourage public comment on the project to ensure that it is responsive to the region’s needs now and well into the future.”
Written comments may be submitted to the project Web site at www.tzbsite.com or to Michael P. Anderson, P.E., New York State Department of Transportation, Tappan Zee Bridge/I-287 Corridor Environmental Review, 660 White Plains Road, Tarrytown, New York 10591.
The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) is managing the corridor study in coordination with the New York State Thruway Authority and MTA Metro-North Railroad and in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration.
The state agencies hosted public meetings about the project on February 26, 27, and 28 in Westchester, Orange, and Rockland counties, respectively. Those sessions generated 53 comments, which will be added to the 113 that have been collected since initial public meetings about the project were held in 2003.
Detailed information about the Tappan Zee Bridge/I-287 corridor project is available on the project Web site and at NYSDOT’s community project offices at 660 White Plains Road in Tarrytown and 203 Main Street in Nyack. Copies of the project update packet also may be requested by telephone or mail.
The project information reflects changes in the project proposal and review process since the 2003 public meetings. Those developments include a new federal law designed to streamline the environmental review process, increase public participation and expedite project delivery. In addition, NYSDOT has an enhanced role in leading the project, new options have been developed for some project design alternatives and final screening criteria have been compiled for evaluating transit and river crossing alternatives.
Public involvement will continue throughout the duration of the Environmental Impact Statement process even after the close of the formal comment period.