No Toll Hike For 2016, But Delays Anticipated In Tappan Zee Construction Project
NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- The New York Thruway has announced that there will be no toll increase for 2016, along its highway including the Tappan Zee Bridge.
But, as CBS2's Alice Gainer reported, there will be a delay in the construction of the new bridge to replace the Tappan Zee.
One span of the new New York bridge was set to open in December 2016, the has been pushed back to spring or summer of 2017.
Both spans will be open in 2018.
Drivers did not think the delay was significant.
"It's amazing how quickly it's going up, so I'm surprised it's delayed," Sid Slotnick said.
But Tarrytown resident Tori Weisel said the delay will mean something for neighbors.
"In terms of construction it means noise a little bit longer. That affects our neighborhood because we're right next to the toll booths and yeah the traffic will be backed up," she said.
Though there is no toll increase for 2016, the thruway does have a seven member toll advisory task force that will release recommendations in mid 2016 for future toll prices on the new bridge.
"We're all kind of dreading it, but I know that they're gonna be having a new gantry so instead of a toll booth, so at least you have that going for you," Weisel said.
She added that they have been doing a good job of reaching out to the community throughout the construction process.
The task force will have monthly meetings and include public input. They'll look at commuter discount options and resident discount options.