Shutting Down NY Thruway To Blow Up The Old TZB Anchor Span

NYACK, NY — The New York State Thruway is scheduled to be shut down Saturday morning from Nyack to Tarrytown so the last anchor span of the old Tappan Zee Bridge can be blown up. It's the one that became unstable when the old bridge was being taken down this summer.

Tappan Zee Constructors will use explosives to lower the damaged east anchor span so it can be removed. Then they'll inspect both the result and the new bridge to make sure everything's all right.

"Through extensive engineering analysis, it has been determined that this is the safest method to proceed with lowering the span given its current state," TZC said in a statement.

Trouble with the anchor span developed as the old bridge was being dismantled. It became destabilized in September and engineers were worried it could fall. The opening of the second span of the new bridge was delayed.

This Saturday, officials estimate traffic will be stopped for an hour from about 8:55 a.m. between exits 11 and 9. Those are the Nyack - South Nyack - US Route 9W Exit and the Tarrytown - Sleepy Hollow - Route 9 Exit.

Also, the Hudson River's main navigation channel will be closed.

Motorists are strongly encouraged to avoid the area and find alternate routes on the day of the activity. The closest bridges: Bear Mountain to the north and the George Washington to the south. But if you're traveling on the Thruway through the Hudson Valley, the easiest detour may be the Taconic Parkway and I-84.

The operation is expected to cause a brief loud noise comparable to a single set of fireworks, South Nyack Mayor Bonnie Christian told residents. Loud noises often startle animals, especially dogs, so pet owners are advised to keep their animals indoors or leashed during the operation.

The latest updates and schedules can be found here.

SEE ALSO:

• Date Set For Partial Demolition Of Old Tappan Zee Bridge
• Worries Over TZB Collapse Keeps 2nd New Span From Opening

PHOTO/ New York State Thruway Authority webcam