NY Issues Requirements For New Tappan Zee Bridge To Potential Bidders
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Whether or not the new Tappan Zee Bridge is a work of art, it will have works of art on it.
The state has issued a request for proposals, telling potential bidders what its requirements are for the new Hudson River crossing.
As previously announced, the multibillion-dollar bridge must be strong enough to support mass transit lines in the future. Other requirements include three lanes in which drivers won't have to slow down to have their tolls collected.
And the bridge is to have a 12-foot-wide walkway for cyclists and pedestrians, complete with seating and public art.
The document also calls for demolition of the existing bridge. However, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said last month that the state was considering turning the old bridge into a car-free greenway.
In October, President Barack Obama declared the bridge eligible for fast-tracked federal approvals. Cuomo's office has said that the project is expected to create more than 23,000 jobs.
The old span will remain open during construction of the new $5 billion bridge, which is expected to start in August and take five years.
The Thruway Authority had one final public hearing earlier this month. Bids for the bridge are being awarded this spring.
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