The New York State Thruway Authority has announced that the usual lane configuration on the Tappan Zee Bridge will be changed temporarily in an attempt to address southbound traffic congestion during the peak morning commuter hours.

The presence of steel plates, required by the Tappan Zee Bridge redecking project, has increased southbound congestion during the morning commute.

In an attempt to address some of the southbound congestion, the Authority will adjust the usual lane configuration on the bridge from four southbound lanes and three northbound lanes to five southbound lanes and two northbound lanes.

This adjustment was implemented on a trial basis beginning at 6 a.m. on Thursday, October 23. On Thursday, the new traffic pattern will be in place from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. At 9 a.m., the barrier will then be moved to return to the normal four southbound, three northbound-lane configuration.

If the trial proves successful, the Authority will continue to use the five southbound, two northbound-lane configuration, Monday through Thursday, until the southbound work is completed. The Authority will be unable to use the five southbound, two northbound-lane configuration on Fridays due to heavy traffic volumes northbound. At this time, the Authority expects southbound work to be completed just before Thanksgiving.

Due to the temporary configuration, northbound motorists will experience some delays. During the trial, the Authority will be coordinating with State Police and local law enforcement officials to address potential “choke points” northbound.

In addition, due to the fact that there are no break-down lanes on the bridge, the Authority will have two of its wrecker maintenance crews stationed on the bridge, one crew on either end, to assist motorists in need as quickly as possible.

Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) and Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) 530 AM will be activated to advise motorists of the new traffic pattern.

The Authority appreciates motorists’ patience while this trial is conducted.

(Eli Gefen – YWN Queens Ops’ Desk)