The U.S. Coast Guard is advising mariners to stay clear of construction equipment and support vessels at the New NY Bridge project site.
With the recreational boating season approaching, marine units from Rockland and Westchester counties are lending the New NY Bridge project team a hand to ensure the safety of all on the Hudson River.
Starting this weekend, the marine units will begin enhanced patrols of the project site to enforce boater safety measures implemented by the U.S. Coast Guard in partnership with the New York State Thruway Authority and Tappan Zee Constructors.
Boaters should expect periodic full and partial closures of the main navigation channel and adjacent span areas through the end of the year. The closures are necessary to ensure the safety of boaters and construction teams as overhead work continues on the new bridge’s main span.
“The project team advises boaters to avoid the construction site altogether while this critical work takes place in and around the navigation channel,” Project Director Jamey Barbas said. “While some boaters may experience a temporary inconvenience during the channel closures, staying away makes the project site safer for everyone. We thank boaters for their understanding and patience as we continue to build a world-class bridge.”
Boaters should tune to Marine Radio Channel 22A for the latest closure advisories, which are provided by the U.S. Coast Guard. Times and dates, which are subject to change, are also available on the New NY Bridge project’s Twitter feed (@NewNYBridge) or by calling 914-789-3224. Boaters can also communicate with Tappan Zee Constructors through Marine Radio Channel 16.
Boaters can also visit NewNYBridge.com/Boater or view the U.S. Coast Guard First District Local Notice to Mariners for the latest information regarding upcoming closures.
When the main navigation channel is open, boaters are urged to use the center 600 feet of the channel to navigate north or south with no wake, at a maximum speed of five knots.
Lighted buoys also mark key locations, including the prohibited Safety Zone and construction mooring locations. Boaters should steer clear of these areas, as well as any bridge piers or construction equipment.
Additional safety measures can be found at NewNYBridge.com/Boater. The site also includes an interactive map, which utilizes GPS technology to track all TZC vessels and barges.
The New York State Thruway Authority provides this information as a public service. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. Nothing in these guidelines shall supersede the actual construction conditions or regulations set forth by the U.S. Coast Guard.
