The new Tappan Zee Bridge is finally getting above the waterline, but the $3.9-billion project's finances remain in a state of flux as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has rejected a plan pushed by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) to use state clean-water funds for the project. Despite the funding uncertainty, construction of the new bridge is on schedule.
"Right now, we're about 60% done with pile installation," says Brian Conybeare, special adviser to the governor for the project. The project passed a milestone in late August, with the installation of the first pile caps for the approaches. "The first pile cap is Pier 38, and it's cast in place using a precast pile-cap 'tub.' These tubs have been cast off-site," says Ro DiNardo, general superintendent for Tappan Zee Constructors.