With the aging Tappan Zee Bridge as a backdrop, President Obama is scheduled to speak this Wednesday in an appeal to Congress to support more federal spending for bridge construction and other infrastructure projects.
The visit comes just seven months after the administration approved a record-breaking $1.6 billion loan toward the Tappan Zee’s replacement — nearly one-third of the four-year project’s hefty $3.9 billion price tag — that made headlines as the largest loan in Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) history.
Toll hikes are being considered — but have not been confirmed — to help compensate for the remaining $2.3 billion, potentially adding to the $5 crossing fee.
The 58-year-old span, which carries roughly 138,000 New York State Thruway drivers per day over a three-mile stretch between Tarrytown and Nyack, currently costs the state $100 million in repairs. The bridge was originally only designed to hold up to 100,000 vehicles.
Of course, the Tappan Zee isn’t the only bridge over the Hudson’s waters. If its construction, infamous congestion, or sky-high tolls have you considering purchasing a private jet, have no fear: here’s the 411 on five of the Valley’s major crossings north of Westchester:
- Bear Mountain Bridge
- Newburgh-Beacon Bridge
- Mid-Hudson Bridge
- Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge
- Rip Van Winkle Bridge
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Rip Van Winkle Bridge
