The Westchester County Office of Emergency Management is monitoring a construction accident on the Tappan Zee Bridge. Due to a collapsed construction crane, all lanes are closed in both directions. Expect extensive delays and consider alternate routes.
Greenburgh police is on the scene. I have been advised by the Police Chief Chris McNerney that the crane is being cut up and the center median will be moved to allow for the traffic to move. The southbound lanes are being opened now and they are removing some sections of the center median to allow northbound traffic to turn around. There is no ETA on when the northbound lanes will be open. Tarrytown PD has closed down the ramps to the bridge. The Greenburgh police department has sent tech rescue teams, EMS to the scene and we will be monitoring traffic backup problems. There were a few minor injuries according to the police chief. It could have been much worst—we were lucky there were no fatalities or serious injuries. A miracle!
I hope that there will be a review of bridge construction safety oversight procedures that are in place. Motorists shouldn’t have to worry about their safety when crossing the bridge during a construction project.
This accident highlights the need to not only review safety initiatives re: Tappan Zee bridge but safety on all bridge construction. Last week I received an e mail from a constituent about another bridge construction project: the ASHFORD AVENUE bridge in Ardsley/Dobbs Ferry. The concern is highlighted below. The construction of this bridge is a Westchester county project. I have written to the County Executive highlighting the constituents concern.
“Dear Paul Feiner
The rebuilding of the Ashford Avenue Bridge in Ardsley lack private guards for traffic control and for the safety of pedestrians. In NYC, major construction such as the rebuilding of the Ashford Bridge, have private street guards paid by the contractor for controlling auto traffic and to insure the safety of pedestrians. Why is this not being done in Ardsley?”
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor