Over the weekend, The Journal News published a smart editorial that urged Albany and Washington to think seriously about their stated desire to build the new Tappan Zee without bus rapid transit (BRT). The article, which responded to a coalition statement released by TSTC and others, reminded officials that the bridge has no financing at present and pointed out that time remains for Governor Cuomo to amend his fast-tracked plan.
…policymakers still have ample opportunity to consider what 11 elected representatives said in their statement, and what scores have stated at some 280 public hearings: “… the Tappan Zee Bridge must be replaced, but . . . a bridge without public transportation would gridlock the Hudson Valley’s economy and do nothing to prevent rising traffic congestion and air pollution.”
The Governor is quoted as saying to Westchester ‘write the state a check for $1 BILLION, and $100 million to operate it, and we will do it.’. I’d like the county to say sure, but all county residents don’t have to pay state tax this year.
Seriously though, the real problem is that people don’t question WHY the project (properly done) is $15 BILLION dollars. Other similar projects have been done for $1 BILLION (including approaches etc).
A little research shows a tunnel for trucks and rail should only cost $1 billion, leaving the bridge. And even though it would under shoot Tarrytown, it would need the least long term costs and most benefit.
Whoever is bidding on this and whoever is making the requirements have gone wild. Another example of ‘Neighbor noise mitigation’ adding an order of magnitude to a project.
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