Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Streetfilms

Build a Better Bridge: The Hudson Valley Wants Transit on the Tappan Zee

New York State is on the verge of undertaking one of the largest transportation projects in the nation: the replacement of the Tappan Zee Bridge. Over the course of 10 years and 280 public meetings, Hudson Valley residents, business owners, elected officials and environmental advocates built a consensus that transit was a vital component of the Tappan Zee Bridge project.

Said the State Department of Transportation in 2009: “Without major transit investments, already unacceptable levels of congestion are forecasted to occur in the corridor far into the future.”

In the fall of 2011, however, Governor Andrew Cuomo reversed course, cutting transit from the bridge. His administration now proposes to spend $5 billion for a bridge that is twice as wide as the current bridge. Without transit, the new bridge will provide no relief from the traffic congestion that constrains the region’s growth and diminishes quality of life in the Hudson Valley.

Local leaders, joined by over 20 environmental, good government and labor groups, are calling on Governor Cuomo to put transit back into the Tappan Zee Bridge project. This video shows how the coalition is fighting for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to improve air quality, achieve sustainability goals, and reduce traffic.

The state is accepting public comment on its Tappan Zee DEIS until March 15.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

DOT Testimony: Removing Bedford Ave. Bike Lane Will ‘Reduce Safety’

"Removing the protected bike lane won’t remove cyclists — it will only make the street less safe," the DOT said. "The city risks legal liability for knowingly reducing safety on a Vision Zero priority corridor."

June 30, 2025

Hochul Signs Speed Camera Reauthorization, Enforcement Continues Through 2030

Stating a clear fact that scores of state legislators reject, Hochul said, "Speed cameras save lives and keep New Yorkers safe."

June 30, 2025

Cyclists Tell Judge Carolyn Walker-Diallo: The Bedford Ave. Bike Lane is a Lifesaver

A judge will decide the fate of the Bedford Avenue bike lane on Tuesday. Streetsblog offers some user affidavits.

June 30, 2025

DoorDash Lobbying Sunk Bill to Require Apps to Insure Delivery Workers

A secret memo from the rich app company described a simple insurance bill as "costly." And legislators fell into line.

June 30, 2025

Monday’s Headlines: City Hall Handshake Edition

The Department of Sustainable Delivery finally has funding ... but for what? Plus more news.

June 30, 2025

EXCLUSIVE: Council Will Force Apps To Fund Safe E-Bikes for Workers

The City Council is set to pass a bill on Monday that will make app companies responsible for their workers using safe e-bikes.

June 27, 2025
See all posts