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TARRYTOWN, N.Y. The design and construction of a new Tappan Zee Bridge will include specific requirements from the New York State Thruway Authority, according to the recently released request for proposals, including a bridge that will be able to support mass-transit and contract opportunities for disadvantaged business enterprises.
The hard work and cooperative efforts of the New York State Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration and the New York State Thruway Authority have created a set of specifications that will insure we maximize the public investment, provide important labor protections and serve our customers as efficiently as possible, Thruway Executive Director Tom Madison said in a statement Friday afternoon.
The proposed Tappan Zee Bridge includes two twin structures that would sit just north of the existing bridge. The bridge is expected to be complete in 2017 and cost approximately $5.2 billion.
The four design-build consortiums have until July 27 to submit their proposals. The proposals request says that the thruway estimates it will award a contract in October 2012.
The proposals request requires that the new bridge be fully able to support transit, including allowing for bus rapid transit and commuter rail if full systems are constructed on either side of the bridge in the future and provide immediate express bus service, the thruway said.
"This announcement brings New York one step closer to the thruway authority's goal and Gov. Cuomo's vision of building a new Tappan Zee Bridge that will last 100 years and be ready on day one to accommodate future mass transit options, Madison said.
Transportation officials also stipulate that the new bridge have a 12-foot bike and pedestrian pathway, add three new E-Z Pass lanes and provide approximately $400 million worth of contracting opportunities to disadvantaged business enterprises.
The new bridge's design will be shared with the public, and the thruway notes that the bidders are required to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure visual quality and aesthetics. The proposals request also notes the establishment of a Visual Quality Panel that will provide guidance on the bridge's characteristics.
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