ROADS/BRIDGES: Tappan Zee Bridge reopens after crane collapse

July 26, 2016

The seven lanes of traffic on the 60-year-old span reopened on Saturday after state employees worked tirelessly to remove the crane and make repairs 

The Tappan Zee Bridge north of New York City reopened to traffic in both directions on Saturday, four days after a construction crane collapsed on the span, blocking all seven lanes of traffic.

N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the bridge reopened around 6 p.m. EST Saturday. Cuomo said state employees worked around the clock to remove the crane and make repairs in order to reopen the span.

The crane collapse happened Tuesday, injuring two construction workers and three nearby motorists when it fell. Despite falling directly across the well-traveled bridge, the crane did not directly strike any vehicles upon collapse. The motorists injured were involved in traffic accidents resulting from the incident, and the large crane did not do any major structural damage to the span.

The crane was being used to erect the replacement to the 60-year-old span, which crosses the Hudson River at one of its widest points and is a vital bridge for residents living in the Hudson River Valley. 

Sponsored Recommendations

The Science Behind Sustainable Concrete Sealing Solutions

Extend the lifespan and durability of any concrete. PoreShield is a USDA BioPreferred product and is approved for residential, commercial, and industrial use. It works great above...

Powerful Concrete Protection For ANY Application

PoreShield protects concrete surfaces from water, deicing salts, oil and grease stains, and weather extremes. It's just as effective on major interstates as it is on backyard ...

Concrete Protection That’s Easy on the Environment and Tough to Beat

PoreShield's concrete penetration capabilities go just as deep as our American roots. PoreShield is a plant-based, eco-friendly alternative to solvent-based concrete sealers.

Proven Concrete Protection That’s Safe & Sustainable

Real-life DOT field tests and university researchers have found that PoreShieldTM lasts for 10+ years and extends the life of concrete.