Tappan zee bridge

The Tappan Zee Bridge was a cantilever bridge across the Hudson River in New York, operating from 1955 to 2017 as part of I-87 and I-287.

About this subject

The Tappan Zee Bridge, officially named the Governor Malcolm Wilson Tappan Zee Bridge, was a cantilever bridge spanning the Hudson River between Rockland and Westchester counties in New York State. Opened on December 15, 1955, the bridge carried Interstates 87 and 287, connecting South Nyack to Tarrytown. With a total length of approximately 3 miles (4.9 km) including approach spans, it was one of the longest bridges in the United States at the time of its construction. Its name derives from the Tappan Zee region, a wide part of the Hudson River named after the Tappan Native American people, with 'zee' meaning 'sea' in Dutch, referring to the river's breadth.

The bridge featured a main span of 1,211 feet (369 meters) and two side spans, using cantilever construction with a steel superstructure. During its six decades of service, it became a vital transportation link in the New York metropolitan area, but also notorious for severe traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. In 2012, an audit revealed the bridge was structurally deficient and functionally obsolete, leading to the decision to replace it. The new Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge opened in phases between 2017 and 2018, and the old Tappan Zee was completely demolished by 2019.

An interesting fact is that the Tappan Zee Bridge appeared in several cultural works, including the 2013 film 'The Lone Ranger' and TV series like 'Law & Order'. Its original construction cost about $81 million (roughly $780 million today). The demolition was one of the largest such operations in U.S. history, involving controlled explosions and removal of over 80,000 tons of steel. Today, the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, with its cable-stayed design and multiple lanes, aims to alleviate the traffic issues that plagued its predecessor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the Tappan Zee Bridge replaced?

The bridge was deemed structurally deficient and functionally obsolete after a 2012 audit. Severe traffic congestion and costly repairs led to the construction of the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, which opened in 2017.

How long did it take to build the Tappan Zee Bridge?

Construction began in 1952 and was completed in 1955, taking about three years. The bridge opened to traffic on December 15, 1955.

What does the name 'Tappan Zee' mean?

'Tappan' refers to the Tappan Native American people who inhabited the area, and 'zee' is the Dutch word for 'sea'. The name describes the width of the Hudson River at that point, resembling a sea.