Posted on 01/17/2006 8:15:41 PM PST by neverdem
The Tappan Zee Bridge, the most critical transportation link across the Hudson River north of New York City, is not even half as old as the Brooklyn Bridge, but its warranty has already expired.
Started on the cheap during the Korean War, the Tappan Zee was deliberately built to last just 50 years. It passed that milestone last month, just days after transportation planners began gathering public advice about how to fix or replace it.
But the decaying, overburdened span's anniversary was more bitter than sweet. Little love has been lost between the Tappan Zee and the tens of thousands of commuters who depend on it. They complain about the poor condition of its roadway and the backups caused by every breakdown and flat tire.
Even before it was built, the bridge's own designers said it would be one of the "ugliest" in the region. Half a century later, the Tappan Zee has not aged gracefully. There are cracks in its concrete columns, its superstructure is rusting away and its deck is nearly worn through.
The New York State Thruway Authority, which owns the 3.1-mile-long bridge carrying the Thruway over the Hudson, has said that the deck, some structural steel, the concrete walkway and electrical systems have "deteriorated significantly." The authority plans to spend more than $100 million next year just to patch the bridge's holes and replace some of its corroded steel, a process sure to make travel even slower for commuters.
Catching daily glimpses of the long cracks in the bridge's superstructure frightens Brett Ruskin, who drives from his home in Monsey across the Tappan Zee to Tarrytown, where he catches a Metro-North train to Grand Central Terminal. "My biggest concern is not so much the traffic, because the big problem with the Tappan Zee Bridge is it's..."
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
No, but it's gonna be a NYC construction project -- if you get my drift.
Sorry, but I don't care. After the slamming AK took because someone came up with a catchy phrase about a "Bridge to Nowhere"....well, ignorance travels REAL fast in the MSM and cyberspace.
No offense to you, neverdem. :)
Well, the trick is to get folks in South Dakota to pay for it.
I understand what you're saying, but 'taint necessarily so. The Thruway Auth. is an Albany creation. Albany plays by its own rules. (but I'm not saying they're going to be much better)
Ya know -- as a New Yorker I get a little tired of being accused of not paying our own way. As it turns out, South Dakota is on life support from the Federal gov't -- no doubt partially financed by New Yorkers.
http://www.taxfoundation.org/news/show/62.html
Truthfully, I forgot that it was a thruway thing in my rush to crack wise. So, you were right and I was wrong. Kudos.
However, I still think it'll probably go over like a NYC construction project. Maybe Albany will do a bond issue.
NAH. NY is one of those states that never gets back near what it sends to DC. That's one reason I moved to WV. I wanted to drive on all those beautiful roads I paid for! }:^P
According to the Tax Foundation West Virginia gets back a $1.52 for every buck it sends to DC. NY gets back 80 cents.
"Maybe Albany will do a bond issue."
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Of course they will.
And I'm sure that these bonds will be priced so that ordinary citizens can purchase them, (/s)
YUP! Now it's my turn.
YUP! Now it's my turn
Still not worth it...
Sorry dweeb. That's what I paid, despite your charts. Have a nice day.
That may be the numbers reported, but I don't believe it for a minute. I can't believe that NY even approaches .80 on the dollar!
Wow, yeah I grew up in Tarrytown as well.. lived in the condos that were right near the TZ bridge.. looked out my window and saw it every day. (Bulldogs were Irvington? lol I dont remember)
As long as I lived in tarrytown I never knew that bridge was going to wear out.
I have not seen the bridge in years.. I live out in NV now.. but it still reminds me of my childhood.
"Still not worth it..."
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Living in WV to take advantage of nicer roads paid for by New Yorkers. Phrased another way, not living in NYC is not worth it at any price.
Someone must have seen you coming.
Maybe he tipped the guy in the booth...
(Senseless Pope of Greenwich Village reference)
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