e-mosty June 2018 American Bridges American Bridges | Page 15

IV. OPENING TO TRAFFIC
Intelligent Transportation Systems will improve safety
and mobility on the crossing by monitoring roadway
conditions and notifying Thruway Authority staff of
any disruptions.
Motorists will also be informed of accidents and
closed lanes through overhead electronic signage.
These enhancements have been shown to minimize
delays, allowing the public to get the most out of its
investment.
The westbound span was opened to traffic on 26
August 2017. Work on the eastbound span
continues. In order to complete the second
structure, the ends of the old bridge – which
occupied the same alignment as the second span –
have been removed so the second span can be
connected to land. All traffic from the old bridge is
now temporarily shifted onto the first new span,
providing four lanes in each direction.
The stream of data from the bridge’s sensors will be
tracked at the Thruway Authority’s command center
through an advanced Structural Health Monitoring
System. The system will measure the twin-span
crossing’s structural behavior under traffic and
weather conditions.
Routine and preventive maintenance work will also be
efficiently scheduled with this state-of-the-art system.
This vital communication network will make the
bridge one of the most technologically advanced
crossings in the United States when it fully opens to
traffic in 2018.
Figure 30: The old bridge´s main span prepared for dismantling
Many of the old bridge´s materials, including 135
deck units will be transferred to nearly a dozen state
and local municipalities. Additionally, recycled
materials from the Tappan Zee Bridge will be used to
develop and expand five artificial reefs off the coast
of Long Island, N.Y.
The opening of the eastbound span will also allow the
project to complete the new Shared-Use Path, which
will be built on the westbound span.
Figure 31: Aesthetic lighting illuminatign the piers and towers
2/2018