Controlled Demolition Of Old TZB Postponed

TARRYTOWN, NY — No one said blowing up part of the old Tappan Zee Bridge would be a breeze. But sustained winds — not breezes — are the cause of the postponement of Saturday's controlled demolition.

Tappan Zee Constructors had hoped to detonate the old TZB's east anchor span Saturday morning.

However, sustained winds caused delays to the preparatory work of the planned operation, Tappan Zee Constructors said in a statement released Thursday.

"We appreciate the patience of the local community, and once we have rescheduled the operation we will provide an update," they said.

The Tappan Zee Constructors had planned to bring down east anchor span around 9:30 a.m., with traffic stopped on the Thruway from 9 a.m. until the bridge was inspected after the controlled explosion.

There was also to be a temporary closure of the Hudson River main navigation channel.

Tappan Zee Constructors had originally said that after extensive engineering analysis, it was determined that the controlled explosion was the safest way to lower the span given its current state.

Photo credit: NYS Thruway Authority.