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Thruway Authority Releases Details on Tap Zee Constructors- New Bridge Amenities
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WPCNR TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE NEWS. From the New York State Thruway Authority. December 19, 2012 (EDITED):
The design-build proposal for the new New York Bridge to replace the Tappan Zee approved on Monday by the New York State Thruway Authority Board of Directors will deliver the project at a far lower cost than initially estimated, Thruway Board Chairman Howard P. Milstein said today.
The proposal approved on Monday was submitted by Tappan Zee Constructors, a consortium that includes Fluor Enterprises, American Bridge Company, Granite Construction Northeast, and Traylor Bros. A spokesman for the Authority, Brian Conybeare told WPCNR all steel would come from America, complying with the Federal Highway Administratrion Buy America Act, that the TIFIA loan terms the state is seeking require.
The new New York Bridge will be transit-ready for all modes including bus rapid transit, light rail or commuter rail.
THE NEW NY BRIDGE FEATURES
- Eight general traffic lanes plus emergency lanes and extra-wide shoulders for immediate express bus service when opened
- A new toll plaza with at least three highway speed E-ZPass lanes (The current toll plaza includes only two 35mph lanes, as well as 5mph E-ZPass lanes)
- Dedicated bicycle and pedestrian path on northern span
- Safe scenic overlooks, with anti-climb fencing and security cameras to be monitored 24 hours a day
- Strength and capacity provisions to accommodate various mass transit modes
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Posted by jfbailey on Wednesday, December 19 @ 21:45:12 EST
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TZB Mass Transit Thruway Task Force Has Roach,Paulin, Cousins
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WPCNR TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE NEWS. From the New York State Thruway Authority. December8,2012 (Edited):
As agreed to last fall, in Governor Andrew Cuomo's promise to the County Executives of Westchester, Rockland, and Putnam Counties to include mass transit as part of any new Tappan Zee crossing,, in return for their support for building a new Tappan Zee Bridge, New York State Thruway Authority Board Chairman Howard P. Milstein announced Friday the 29 members of the Mass Transit Task Force to look at transit options for the new bridge to replace the Tappan Zee.
The membership includes Mayor Tom Roach of White Plains; Amy Paulin, one of White Plains two Assembly representatives and Andrea Stewart-Cousins, one of White Plains two State Senators.
The Mass Transit Task Force will work to identify short, medium and long term transit solutions for the bridge and the I-287 corridor in Westchester and Rockland Counties; develop funding strategies to implement and sustain transit operations; and create a corridor management plan to ensure a viable transit program.
The members of the Mass Transit Task Force are:
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Posted by jfbailey on Saturday, December 08 @ 10:41:49 EST
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Governor, In cabinet Meeting, Unveils 3 Tappan Zee Bridge Designs
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WPCNR TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE NEWS. From the New York State Thruway Authority. December 6, 2012 UPDATED 11:40 A.M. E.D.T.:
Governor Andrew Cuomo unveiled the three designs for the new Tappan Zee Bridge yesterday at a cabinet meeting in Albany. Each of the three proposed designs comes in under the $5.2 Billion estimated costs previously.
In a Power Point Program presented at the cabinet meeting by the Governor, the least expensive design, Proposal 1 comes in at $3.14 Billion, and is favored by the Governor-appointed design panel, because of its lower cost according to Brian Conybeare, a spokesperson for the Governor.
The decision on which of the three designs is to be built will be made by the Thruway Authority December 17, Conybeare told WPCNR.
The new double span design has suspension construction, similar to the new San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, and the bridge crossing the Maumee River in Toledo, Ohio. You may download the power point program at www.newnybridge.com.
The Governor said the designs come in at $1 billion less than originally estimated that the company selected would be responsible for any cost overruns, and that $600 Million to $800 Million would be added to the cost of any bridge for financing, management, contingencies, and aesthetic improvements.
The first bridge achieves its saving, accoording to the power point because it calls for less dredging, can be constructed in 5 years, 2-1/2 months, while Proposals 2 and 3 take six years to build and dredge far more of the Hudson River bed. Each of the three proposals has unique u-turns, to detour traffic off the bridge in case of a accident on the span. Proposal 3 though the most expensive is not mass transit ready, according to the Power Point and would require more costs in the future to make it mass transit ready.
The name of the construction group has been disclosed by a source close to the bridge selection committee. However, Mr. Conybeare said the name of the contractor of the preferred proposal was not reported officially.
Asked if disclosure of the contracting group giving out "preferred proposal" (a violation of TIFIA loan application rules)could jeopardize the chances of New York State being approved for the $2.9 Billion TIFIA loan the state has applied for, Conybeare said he did not know.
WPCNR has placed a call to Amy Bernstein of TIFIA, inquiring how leaking of the contractor who submitted the Selection Committee's preferred proposal, affects consideration of the state proposal.
The Governor said construction would be begin in 2013.
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Governor Takes Action on Gasoline Shortage
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WPCNR THE POWER NEWS. From Governor Cuomo's Office. November 3, 2012 5 PM:
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that over 8 million gallons of gasoline and other petroleum products are on hand and over 28 million gallons are being delivered to operating New York terminals. In addition, millions of gallons have arrived in New York Harbor for delivery to terminals. The Governor provided other updates on progress that is underway to address the fuel shortage in the metro area.
Hudson Valley
Newburgh Global Terminal (gasoline and distillates): The terminal is open to barge deliveries, and a barge was there yesterday, unloading 2.7 million gallons and refueling trucks at same time.
The Governor has also implemented a series of actions designed to increase fuel supplies in the hurricane-affected areas.
Yesterday, the Governor signed an Executive Order to allow distributors and transporters to bring gasoline, diesel, and kerosene into the State of New York without having to meet the usual registration requirements. By law, transporters and distributors must be registered with the State Department of Taxation and Finance. The Governor’s Executive Order temporarily suspended those registration requirements.
In addition, the Governor today signed an Executive Order to temporarily ease restrictions on vapor pressure requirements for gasoline and waive the ultra-low sulfur diesel requirement for home-heating oil. At the Governor’s direction, the state has also obtained a waiver from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on vapor recovery requirements so gasoline can be transported from petroleum terminals without power to gas stations in hurricane-affected areas.
While there remains a fuel shortage throughout the region as a result of Hurricane Sandy, actions to address the issue are being executed as planned, leading to more terminals being opened to barge deliveries and more petroleum products being transported throughout the metro area.
“The shortage of gasoline in the New York-metro area has caused major inconveniences for our residents, and the state must take every action possible to address this issue,” Governor Cuomo said. “Although there is much work to be done, I have directed the state to temporarily suspend gasoline distribution related requirements so gasoline and other fuels can be transported throughout the region and New Yorkers can return to life as normal as quickly as possible.”
The following is the current operational status of regional fuel terminal and delivery facilities:
Pipelines
Buckeye Pipeline: Power has been restored to the Linden, New Jersey hub, from which the Buckeye Pipeline can deliver up to 8.5 million gallons per day to New York terminals. The pipeline is operational. The Inwood, New York and Long Island City terminals that receive product from this pipeline are operational.
Colonial Pipeline: Working on generator power; Limited deliveries to Linden facility
Long Island
Inwood - Global Terminal (gasoline and distillates): The facility is open and can accept barge and pipeline deliveries. It opened last night with approximately 1.7 million gallons unleaded; 350,000 gallons premium; 700,000 gallons of ULS diesel on site.
Inwood – CARBO (gasoline and distillates): The facility is open and can accept barge deliveries.
Northville Terminal at Port Jefferson (gasoline and distillates): Northville opened yesterday with 2.4 million gallons of diesel on site. A barge arrived at midnight this morning with 1 million gallons of gasoline. A barge from Hess Port Reading is expected to arrive today with 1 million gallons gasoline. Other scheduled deliveries include:
· November 4: 1.5 million gallons gasoline
· November 5: 1.5 million gallons gasoline
· November 6: 4 million gallons of gasoline and 5.3 million gallons of diesel
Glenwood Landing, Long Island (gasoline and distillates): Facility is open and can accept barge deliveries.
New York City
BP - Brooklyn (gasoline and distillates): Facility is open, and can accept barge and pipeline deliveries.
Hess Brooklyn Terminal (distillates): Facility is open and can accept barge and pipeline deliveries.
Hess Bronx Terminal (distillates): Facility is open and can accept barge deliveries.
Bayside - Shore Parkway (distillates): Facility is open and can accept barge deliveries.
Bayside - Smith Street (distillates): Facility is open and can accept barge deliveries.
Bayside - 12th Street (distillates): Facility is open and can accept barge deliveries.
Castle Oil, Bronx (distillates): The facility is open, and a barge carrying 2.5 million gallons is expected to arrive on Sunday or Monday.
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Governor: Full Service Between Southeast and Grand Central (Harlem Line) Friday
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WPCNR TRANSIT TIMES. From the Governor's Office. November 1, 2012:
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo Thursday announced Full Service will be running on the Harlem (White Plains line) of Metro North between Southeast and Grand Central Terminal Friday morning.
Several other major advances in the restoration of the region’s public transportation systems in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
The following restorations will be in effect for tomorrow’s commute:
Long Island Rail Road:
· Babylon Branch: Hourly service to Penn Station
· Huntington Branch: Hourly service to Penn Station
Metro-North Railroad:
· Hudson Line: Service between Croton-Harmon and Grand Central Terminal on the Hudson Line will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
· New Haven Line: Service will resume between New Haven and Stamford/Grand Central Terminal by midday.
· Harlem Line: Full service between Southeast and Grand Central Terminal will be restored Friday morning.
New York City Transit:
· #7 Service between Flushing Main Street and 74th St. in Queens, will begin by midnight tonight.
· In addition, Limited M service from Jamaica Center along Queens Boulevard, through the 63rd St. tunnel to 34th Street/Herald Square in Manhattan, began this afternoon.
Other Public Transportation Restorations Updates:
Long Island Rail Road
· LIRR has been running hourly service from Jamaica to Atlantic Terminal, hourly service from Jamaica to Penn Station, hourly service from Ronkonkoma to Penn Station, and hourly service from Great Neck to Penn Station.
Metro-North Railroad
· Service on the Harlem Line was extended from Mount Kisco through to Southeast Station, beginning Thursday afternoon. Trains operated on a very limited schedule this afternoon.
New York City Transit
· More extensive restoration of normal service depends upon Con Edison’s restoration of feeds for Joralemon and Rutgers tubes, plus networks from those tubes up to 36th St. This would enable the New York City Transit to restore service on the 4, 5 and F lines, as well as to re-establish some service over the Manhattan and Williamsburg bridges. Restoration of these feeds would allow for robust Sixth Avenue service. Once power is restored, since the tracks are dry and signal testing has been completed done, the only thing that would remain would be to run a few test trains. Service could be restored within two hours. In addition, NYCT was prepared to establish a #5 shuttle train between Dyre Avenue and East 180th Street in the Bronx, but is unable to do so because there is no station power.
MTA Bus Company/NYCT Bus
· Buses operated near normal service this morning with routes diverted as conditions required. In addition to weekday school closed requirements, buses operated the Atlantic, Jay Street and Hewes Street subway replacement shuttles and augmented M5 and M20 service in Manhattan where displaced subway customers were riding.
· Bus service will be curtailed at dusk in the areas of the city where power is still out as was done yesterday, for the safety of pedestrians and passengers. The Brooklyn bus bridge will continue to run past midnight.
· Access-A-Ride began fulfilling scheduled appointments as of noon today. Thirteen of the 14 carriers are providing vehicles to assist in the evacuation effort.
· Bus service will continue to operate the same service levels, as will the subway support service. Normal routes will be restored as soon as conditions allow, including routes supporting the Staten Island Ferry when ferry service resumes.
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Metro North Service from Mt. Kisco ON. Gov Declares Transit Emergency
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WPCNR TRANSIT. From The Governor's Office. November 1, 2012:
METRO-NORTH LIMITED SERVICE RESTORED
Starting Thursday, November 1, close to regularly scheduled service will be provided on the Harlem Line between Mount Kisco and Grand Central Terminal and on the New Haven Line between Stamford and Grand Central Terminal. This will provide service to about half the customers usually served on a weekday.
Hudson Line service will remain suspended due to extensive storm damage.
Service on the Port Jervis and Pascack Valley Lines, which are operated by NJ TRANSIT, remains suspended. NJT continues to work toward service restoration. See www.njtransit.com for updates.
Hudson and West-of-Hudson tickets will be honored on Harlem Line trains.
Customers should expect crowded trains. Parking will be limited. Because not all tracks have been returned to service, bridgeplates may be used to board trains at some New Haven Line stations. Customers should use caution getting on and off trains. In addition, power has not been restored to all station platforms. Generators are in place to provide lighting. Not all ticket vending machines will be operational.
In addition, customers should be aware that there is no subway service south of 42nd Street. Customers can take the following buses downtown: M5 at Fifth Ave. and West 42nd Street; M15 at Second Ave. and E. 42nd Street; and the M103 at Lexington Avenue and E. 42nd St. See http://www.mta.info/status/1 for more information on subway and bus service.
All Metro-North customers should hold onto their October monthly and weekly tickets; they will be valid for travel through Monday, November 5.
Before service can be restored to other areas of the railroad, there are a number of challenges that must be addressed.
The right-of-way on the Upper Harlem Line to Wassaic has been cleared of trees but two critical substations near Bedford Hills and Katonah were flooded and are not operating. We are working with the power supplier, New York State Electric and Gas Company, to get these critical substations on line as soon as possible.
Damage on the New Haven Line between Stamford and New Haven remains significant. Numerous trees have to be removed and catenary and signal wire has to be rehung in numerous sections along the route. All the controls for moveable bridges were submerged during the storm; they must be fully inspected and repairs made. Additionally, there is significant catenary damage at a critical switching location in the area of Fairfield. Service also remains suspended on all three branch lines, New Canaan, Danbury and Waterbury. Work crews still have a tremendous amount of work to do removing trees and restoring power in those areas as well.
The Hudson Line has also been hard hit. It will remain out of service Thursday due to extensive storm-related damage from flooding, fallen trees and power outages.
Major issues include:
There are several water-damaged substations on the Hudson Line.
Washouts that have undermined the track structure so greatly it is unsafe to operate trains across those sections; One section alone between Croton-Harmon and Cortlandt will require up to 8 rail cars of ballast stone to repair;
Third rail damage in several areas caused by fallen trees;
Debris along the right of way still needs to be cleared.
The railroad’s employees will continue to work hard to restore service for all customers as quickly and safely as possible.
Until full service is restored to all lines, customers should expect some delays and crowding on trains and should stagger their travel times.
Continue to check www.mta.info, listen to news media reports and listen for announcements at stations and onboard trains.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo declared a transportation emergency Thursday night for the storm affected region. In addition, the Governor, joined by MTA Chairman and CEO Joseph Lhota, announced that fares on all mass transit, including buses, subways, Metro North and Long Island railroads and Access-A-Ride, will be suspended for Thursday, November 1 and Friday, November 2. In addition announced that the MTA has restored limited Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) service between Jamaica and Penn Station tonight and Metro-North Railroad will restore additional service from Grand Central Terminal to Stamford and Mount Kisco on Thursday.
“The gridlock we experienced today shows that the New York metropolitan region is in a transportation emergency,” Governor Cuomo said.
NYC Buses -- Subways
New York City buses ran normal service all Wednesday, Metro-North and LIRR ran limited service in the afternoon, and the New York City subway will begin offering limited service at 6 a.m. Thursday.
“We want to get people back to work, but we are asking our customers for patience and understanding as they confront crowding and long lines as we repair our system,” said MTA Chairman and CEO Joseph J. Lhota. “Be flexible about your travel times. We have come a long way in a short time to repair the damage from the most devastating event to strike our transportation system.”
LIMITED LIRR SERVICE RESTORED
The LIRR has implemented hourly service between Jamaica Station and Penn Station. The LIRR expects to restore limited hourly service on Ronkonkonma Branch and on the Port Washington Branch from Great Neck for Thursday’s morning rush. There will be no stops during peak periods at Kew Gardens and Forest Hills – these stops will only be made during the off-peak. At 6:45 PM tonight, Penn Station opened to customers.
Earlier today, the LIRR restored limited, hourly service between Jamaica and Atlantic Terminal, Brooklyn. In conjunction with the restored Jamaica-Brooklyn service, beginning tomorrow, customers will be able to connect to shuttle buses from Barclays Center (adjacent to the LIRR’s Atlantic Terminal) to Manhattan. Customers heading to downtown Manhattan should travel to Penn. The special buses running from Barclays Center in Brooklyn are dropping customers off in midtown, not downtown.
All trains leaving Jamaica to Atlantic Terminal and Penn Station tonight will follow the same times, which is at 10 minutes after the hour until 11:10 PM. After that time, all trains to Atlantic and Penn Station will leave at 45 minutes after the hour.
Schedules for the Service Restorations are below:
http://www.governor.ny.gov/assets/documents/RonkonkomaBrooklynTT_Nov1.pdf
http://www.governor.ny.gov/assets/documents/PortWashingtonTT_Nov1.pdf
LIRR employees have been working around the clock to restore as much service as possible on the LIRR’s four main branches – Port Washington, Ronkonkoma, Babylon, and Huntington. The LIRR’s primary obstacle to restoring service is restoration of power at its substations along its branches that feed the third rail. More than 20 substations remain without power. The LIRR has been in close contact with LIPA to coordinate work crews on this priority.
Two of four East River tunnels remain flooded and cannot be used at this time. In restoring the limited LIRR service to Penn Station, the LIRR will only be able to use two of four tunnels, which they share with Amtrak and NJ Transit.
Ronkonkoma Branch: Limited Hourly Service to be Restored for AM Rush Thursday
The LIRR will be restoring limited, hourly train service from Ronkonkoma to Penn Station for tomorrow morning's rush hour (Thursday, 11/1) starting at 5:37 AM. The restored Ronkonkoma Branch trains will not be stopping at Merillon Avenue, New Hyde Park, Westbury, and Carle Place.
Port Washington Branch: Limited Hourly Service from Great Neck to be Restored for AM Rush Thursday
Limited, hourly shuttle train service from Great Neck to Penn Station will be restored on the Port Washington Branch for tomorrow morning's rush hour (Thursday, 11/1) starting at 5:45 AM. Customers advised to be dropped off at the Great Neck Station, as limited parking is available.
LIRR Customers Should Anticipate Crowding
Because service will be limited, waits will be longer and trains will be more crowded. Customers are advised to consider changing their normal routines to travel later in the morning or later in the evening. Customers should anticipate crowded conditions on all LIRR trains that run until more service is restored. For safety reasons, some trains may be required to skip stations if they become overcrowded. Customers may have to wait for the next train. The LIRR will make every effort to add additional trains whenever possible.
LIRR Fare Policy During Hurricane Sandy Recovery Period
Off Peak fares will be in effect on all LIRR trains until full service is restored. No onboard penalty fares will be charged. All LIRR customers are advised to hold onto their current monthly and weekly tickets; they will remain valid for travel through Monday, November 5.
For More Information
The LIRR will provide Service Advisories around the clock, as required. Customers should monitor news reports, the MTA website, www.mta.info, and sign up for free E-Alerts for updates on LIRR service. Customers can also contact the LIRR's Travel Information Center by calling 511, the New York State Travel Information Line, and say: Long Island Rail Road. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use your preferred relay service provider for the free 711 relay to reach LIRR at 511.
Starting Thursday, Nov. 1 at 6 a.m., MTA/NYCT shuttle buses will travel to and from subway stations at Atlantic Avenue, Jay Street and Hewes Street.
The Atlantic Avenue and Jay Street routes will operate via a new, two-way bus lane across the Manhattan Bridge and into Manhattan via bus-priority lanes on Bowery and 3rd Avenue, making stops at major cross streets all the way up to 55th Street in the inbound direction, and via bus-priority lanes on Lexington Avenue, 23rd Street, and 3rd Avenue and Bowery in the outbound direction.
The shuttle bus from Hewes Street will operate over the Williamsburg Bridge and Delancey Street, then via Bowery and 3rd Avenue up to 55th Street before returning downtown via Lexington Avenue, 23rd Street, 3rd Avenue and Bowery.
NYPD will provide enforcement along the bus route and keep the lanes clear for buses.
The bus service will operate 24 hours until further notice.
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County to Begin Repave of North Broadway
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WPCNR TRAFFIC. From The Westchester County Board of Legislators Press Office. September 27, 2012 (EDITED):
Westchester County Legislator Bill Ryan announced a $2.33 Million makeover for White Plains' busy North Broadway north of Main Street this week saying “The condition of North Broadway has deteriorated to a point where major rehabilitation is needed to provide a safe roadway for the traveling public.”
Ryan noted that County-owned North Broadway has an extraordinarily high average daily traffic count of 28,139, and compared to other county roads, only the Bronx River Parkway’s average daily traffic count of 33,000 is higher. “Getting this work started is essential,” added Ryan.
Commuters are being assured there will be no lane closures during morning and P.M. rush hours. The work reblacktopping the road from Main Street in White Plains to the Cross Westchester Expressy is scheduled to be completed this fall, with the stretch from the CWE to Virginia Road is expected to finished up by next spring.
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Posted by jfbailey on Thursday, September 27 @ 09:55:16 EDT
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Heavy Traffic Expected for Microsoft & Columbus Day Simul Events @ WPHS
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WPCNR ENTERTAINMENT NEWS. By John F. Bailey. September 24, 2012 UPDATED Sepetember 27, 2012 5 P.M. E.D.T.:
The White Plains Department of Public Safety is working closely with Microsoft Corporation for Microsoft's free concert Saturday night presenting Lenny Kravitz.
Wristbands allowing free admission to the concert may only be acquired beginning Friday at 10 A.M. at the new Microsoft store opening in The Westchester Mall that day. NeitherTickets or wristbands will not be available or sold for entry to the concert Saturday evening. The concert staging area is located on the lacrosse/soccer field closest to the Bryant Avenue entrance to White Plains High School.
The concert is being held simultaneously with Columbus Day events adjacent to the concert area at the upper field behind White Plains High School at 7 P.M. Saturday night.
Persons are advised that Admission to the open air concert by Mr Kravitz is limited exclusively to those who pick up wrist bands at the opening of the new Microsoft store in The Westchester the previous day, Friday, September 29, beginning at 10 A.M.
The concert according to Supertintendent of Schools, Dr. Christopher Clouet is free, and Microsoft is paying the school district a rental fee for the field. It will not be held at the Loucks field, Clouet told WPCNR.
Commissioner of Public Safety David Chong advised WPCNR Sunday the city is ready for the dual events:
"Public Safety as well as all City Agencies have worked closely the past few weeks with the promoters of this event.
Public Safety has handled events this size and larger, examples would be New Years Eve, the Independence Day Fireworks, Saint Patrick's Day parade, and the Thanksgiving Turkey Bowl.
There will be a sufficient detail of Officers assigned to the event for Traffic and Crowd control.
The events organizers have hired a large (private) security force that will work in coordination with Public Safety.
Only persons with tickets (wrist bands) will be allowed into the concert and private security will manage the screening of concert attendees. We expect that the event will be a success and we also expect the concert attendees to be well behaved.
We would like to announce that traffic is anticipated to be heavy in the area around the High School before, during and after the concert. People can expect some traffic delays so if you do not have business in the area of the High School on Saturday evening, we recommend that you choose an alternative travel route.
The Columbus festival will also be taking place at the other end of the High School complex during the same times as the concert.
The Department of Public Safety will be well staffed and prepared for these events."
Note: The concert stage was being erected Thursday afternoon on the lacrosse field located adjacent the Bryant Avenue entrance to White Plains High School
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Should County Add Bicyle Lanes to Parkways? Step Away from the Bicylce, Sir.
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WPCNR PHOTOGRAPH OF THE DAY. By the WPCNR ROVING PHOTOGRAPHER. AUGUST 27, 2012:
An enterprising bicyclist decided to take the direct route north in Westchester County which this reporter believes prohibits bicyclists and pedestrians. Nevertheless, this intrepid cyclists noting the usual 2 mile standstill of northbound traffic going intothe Cross County parkway interchange, choose to peddle the Hutchinson River Parkway northbound.
He was doing very nicely until the ever-vigilant Westchester County Police swung into action and pulled the biker over.The unique, alert pull-over occurred at 5:44 P.M.Sunday afternoon on the Hutchinson River Parkway and was captured by the ever-alert companion to this reporter,Brenda Starr.
A Westchester County Police patrol car responded to the intrepid cyclist interloper, the police officer, maneuvering carefully on the paved shoulder, approached, lights flashing pulling the cyclist over.Perhaps he only gave the bicyclist a warning. Photos by Brenda Starr on the Brenda Phone, the WPCNR Roving Photographer
Kirin O'Leary of the Westchester County Police said the bicyclist could have been issued a summons for driving a "restricted vehicle" on the parkway. O'Leary said that it is a New York State Law that restricts bicyclists from using parkways. He was checking to see what the penalty if any, is for riding a bicycle on a county highway. O'Leary said bicyclists could ride from the Bronx to the Putnam County border on the County Trailway that begins in Yonkers
Brenda wonders since bicyclists do not require a Bicylers License (now there's a revenue -raiser to ease the new Tappan Zee Bridge toll!), and bicycles do not require bicycle license plates (Governor slaps forehead! Why didn't I think of that?), and bicyclers will be accommodated on the new Tappan Zee Bridge, regulation of bicyclists, bicyle registration, and a Bureau of Bicycles are idea whose time is now.
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Final Environmental Impact Statement on Construction of NewTappan Zee Bridge Ava
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WPCNR TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE NEWS. From the New York State Thruway Authority. August 1, 2012:
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) along with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and the New York State Thruway Authority (NYSTA) have prepared a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) to examine the potential environmental effects of proposed alternatives for the Tappan Zee Hudson River Crossing Project, and where adverse impacts are identified, it discusses measures to mitigate them.
Copies of the FEIS are available online at www.newnybridge.com (formerly www.thenewtzb.com) and for review and copying during business hours at the repositories listed here.
This document is available for public review until September 4, 2012 after which time a Record of Decision will be issued. Questions or comments regarding this FEIS should be sent to:
Michael Anderson
New York State Department of Transportation
4 Burnett Boulevard
Poughkeepsie, New York 12603
or email tzbsite@dot.state.ny.us
The Record of Decision will address any new or substantive comments made during the public review period.
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Three Tappan Zee Bridge Proposals Received by Thruway Authority
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WPCNR TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE NEWS. Special to WPCNR From the New York State Thruway Authority. July 27, 2012:
At 5:30 P.M. Friday afternoon, Brian Conybeare, Special Advisor the Governor on the New Tappan Zee Bridge, issued this statement:
"Today the Thruway Authority received three proposals for building a new bridge to replace the Tappan Zee. The proposals comprise more than 70 boxes and an estimated 750,000 pages. The submitted bids are from the following teams:
Kiewit-Skanska-Weeks Joint Venture
(Kiewit Infrastructure Co., Skanska USA Civil Northeast Inc., and Weeks Marine, Inc.)
Tappan Zee Bridge Partners, a Bechtel/Tutor Perini Joint Venture
(Bechtel Infrastructure Corporation and Tutor Perini Corporation)
Tappan Zee Constructors
(Fluor Enterprises, Inc., American Bridge Company, Granite Construction Northeast, Inc., and Traylor Bros., Inc.)
The first stage involves reviewing the proposals for completeness and compliance before the proposals are deemed accepted for substantive selection review, a process expected to take four weeks given the massive volume of material. Additional information regarding the selection process that will begin in four weeks will be available next week, and the process will be open and transparent as federal procurement law will allow."
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No Plan to Decide BRT Until Input Is In. 60 Experts to Judge Bids. Tolls In Air
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WPCNR TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE NEWS. By John F. Bailey. July 25, 2012. Part 2:
WPCNR provides this wrap-up of the rest of the LoHud Editorial Spotlight discussion with Governor Andrew Cuomo's Tappan Zee Team. To see the discussion in its entierty go to http://www.livestream.com/editorialspotlight/video?clipId=pla_0d5dea02-9da5-4214-9941-30bdb19206c2&utm_source=lslibrary&utm_medium=ui-thumb:
Optimism for an increase in funding from the Federal Government was expressed by Thruway Authority Executive Director Thomas Madison, that with new funding passed this year by congress made available for the TIFIA program(Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act, the state may be able to fund more with TIFIA than the $2.2 Billion they are asking for now. But this appeared to be wishful thinking, with nothing concrete.
Larry Schwartz, the Secretary to the Governor, said the effect on tolls for the bridge is still being evaluated, expressing the hope the tolls would be comparable to similar bridges in the area.
As an aid, WPCNR calculated in February that to finance $6.2 Billion through the TIFIA program, at its current rate and pay the maintenance costs of the new bridge, tolls would have to go up to $11.50 a Trip. To read that commentary go to www.whiteplainscnr.com/article9023.html
No timelines were given as to how soon a decision would be made on the bids from bridge contractors on the costs of building the new bridge. The Governor’s office is now assembling an evaluation team of about 60 persons, what New York State Thruway Executive Director called “the best and the brightest from around the world,” to evaluate contractor bids due to be submitted tomorrow.
Larry Schwartz, the Secretary to Governor Cuomo said the names of the “Evaluation Team” would be announced by the Governor’s office when they are finalized. It was noted that the Federal Government would also have to approve any construction using Federal money.
Schwartz said that the possibility of using Route 119 as the dedicated bus lane through Westchester County ( long promoted by the Tappan Zee project for Bus Rapid Transit in previous meetings) has not been discarded, but the imput of all communities had to be considered. He noted that Thruway project affecting White Plains at Exits 7 & 8 had dragged 25% longer than it should have taken and the impacts of establishing BRT lanes on 287 would subject that area and its citizens to more inconvenience for years.
Schwartz returned to the theme of gathering input from communities, decision-makers and government officials, and the need to reach consensus together on how to execute rapid transit through the counties, and to determine the need for it. He did not dismiss the data already gathered by the Thruway Authority engineering teams on transit data.
Brian Conybeare, the newly appointed representative to deliver the message of the administration, said it would be his job to disseminate key information to the public as the Governor’s Office makes decisions. He said the public could ask questions via phone at 1-800-855-TZBRIDGE or go to the new website made live today at www.newnybridge.com
The Governor’s Tappan Zee Bridge Team today gave the impression that indicated months of meetings and discussion lie ahead for the Tappan Zee Bridge Project which to move ahead requires more meetings with more people, scores of government officials and stakeholders in the project.
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COUNTY TO COUNTY BRT A LONG WAY OFF. 100 TO 150 COMMUNITY MEETINGS PROMISED
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WPCNR TAPPAN ZEE NEWS. By John F. Bailey. July 25, 2012:
In a lohud.com webcast that went down after the first twenty minutes due to unexplained technical difficulties, Larry Schwartz, Secretary to Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Thomas Madison , State Thruway Authority Executive Director, made clear that a Tappan Zee Bridge cross-Rockland, cross-Westchester Bus Rapid Transit system will not become reality for years.
The form the BRT lanes promised on the new Tappan Zee Bridge will take after they touch the Rockland and Westchester shores has also not been decided. That massive undertaking will only take shape after the state conducts meetings with community officials all along the route. Schwartz emphasized the state wanted to proceed forward working directly with the communities. This, coming after the New York State Thruway has been involving communities in presentations, drawing up plans and taking their comments the last ten years, as a cost of $280 Million.
The moderator,Nancy Cutler, Lohud Rockland County Opinion Editor, asked directly if there been any decision about whether to extend the promised BRT Lane piecemeal (across Westchester County and Rockland Counties) or across the counties, Schwartz said
" I think the commitment is to not make any predertermined decisions but to work with the Rockland County Executive, the Westchester County Executive, their staffs, as well as the local elected officials in the community, the business community, the transit advocates, and the civic associations to figure out what makes sense, what's needed and what will be used (ridden). "
"We’re going to have as many meetings with the community and the different stakeholders here in the lower Hudson Valley region as needed. We’re targeting now between 50 to 100 (meetings), but if we need to do 150, whatever number we need to do, this is an on-going process. Governor Cuomo has made it clear that he wants the process to be open and transparent now and throughout the construction phase of the new Tappan Zee Bridge. That’s why we’re here in this ongoing effort to establish an open line of communication, to get input and feedback , to learn to listen, and also to be responsive to the concerns and questions that Westchester and Rockland residents have regarding our building a new Tappan Zee Bridge.”
Schwartz promised to do a better job “in terms of our openness, our transparency, and making sure we have a constructive dialogue.”
He said.."In addition to being transparent, we need to be honest, trustworthy, straightforward and credible. That's the governor's task to me and to the project team here in not making commitments the state will not be able to keep."
Madison said the build first with transit inclusion was the best solution: “a brand-new structure that would not preclude any transit option for the future, and this was central to the governor’s vision for moving forward with the Tappan Zee Bridge project: let’s build a bridge now; build a bridge we can afford today, but make the necessary investments today that make a commitment today that in the future we will not preclude any transit option on the bridge.”
Schwartz noted on BRT feasibility:
“even on an incremental (construction) basis, it’s going to be cost.y that One of the proposals we presented today was a Suffern to Tarrytown BRT System that would cost $1.9 Billion, depending on how you construct it. SomeBODY has to pay for that. We have to find the money. Governor Cuomo has made it clear we have to move forward with the bridge, and we have to do this project in the most financially feasible and affordable way, that doesn’t have an impact on the taxpayers, and minimizes the impact on the toll-payers. The governor’s committed to transit; he’s certainly committed to transit on the bridge; he’s committed on working on transit solutions off the bridge…there’s a lot of ideas out there some of those ideas are going to have significant community impacts and I think we need to do a better job of educating and informing the community, when you build a BRT what that really means in terms of not only costs, but community impact. In 1997, they talked about widening I-287 to include HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes…there was a lot of community outcry from Greenburgh, Elmsford, and White Plains and Governor George Pataki dropped the idea.”
An engineer on the panel Mark Roach, said the key to making BRT a success was reliability which could only come from dedicated bus lanes.
When the complete discussion is available, WPCNR will follow up with more coverage of the rest of the discussion. At the time when the feed went down on Internet Explorer from the lohud site, there were approximately 325 viewers
Tonight at 6 PM at the Performing Arts Center at Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Road there will be another forum with state officials to discuss Tappan Zee Bridge issues. Thursday there will be one in Rockland County at the Rockland Community College Cultural Arts Theatre, 145 College Road, Ramapo.
Note: To watch the Lohud discussion, in its entirety including the missing minutes, go to
http://www.livestream.com/editorialspotlight/video?clipId=pla_0d5dea02-9da5-4214-9941-30bdb19206c2&utm_source=lslibrary&utm_medium=ui-thumb
To ask The Governor's Office a question on the Tappan Zee Bridge Project, you may call the 800 number, 1-800-855-TZBRIDGE or go to the new information site on the Tappan Zee project,
www.newnybridge.com
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WPCNR COMMUTERCATOR. From the MTA. July 24, 2012:
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is set to extend the validity of one-way and round-trip tickets on the commuter railroads from two weeks to two months. The refund period for those tickets is being extended from one month to two months. Ten-trip tickets will remain valid for six months. The period during which a ten-trip ticket is refundable is being lengthened to match its validity.
A $10 refund processing fee will remain in effect to recoup some of the administrative expenses of issuing and mailing checks.
The MTA anticipates that this change in the validity period will mean an annual loss of about $6 million in revenue to Metro-North Railroad and the Long Island Rail Road.
In December 2010 the MTA abbreviated the validity periods to reduce revenue loss from uncollected tickets and imposed a refund fee of $10 to partially cover the actual cost of processing the refund.
These policies generated numerous complaints from customers and elected officials. In response, the MTA has agreed to increase the validity on one-way and round-trip tickets.
These changes were presented to committees of the MTA board at their July 23 meeting. They take effect September 4, 2012.
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Bicycle North South Loop Debuts on King and Lex.
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WPCNR PHOTOGRAPH OF THE DAY. BY THE WPCNR ROVING PHOTOGRAPHER . MAY 18, 2012:
Bicycle Lanes creating a one way South-North loop from Post Road down Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard down Water Street to the TransCenter, and from the TransCenter South back to Post Road on Lexington Avenue were painted and created overnight by the Department of Public Works. The project was announced by the Mayor last month. Here is how they look as of dawn. The bicycle lane symbols were painted by the White Plains Department of Traffic Crew.
ENTERING MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BOULEVARD POST ROAD FROM THE SOUTH
PEDALING HARD PAST THE COUNTY COURT FOR THE GALLERIA ON KING BOULEVARD
UNDER THE GALLERIA GARAGE ON A BIKELANE HEADING FOR MAIN STREET
CRUISING THE ROAD PAST THE POWER AUTHORITY, THE JIM BENEROFE SUBURBAN STREET OFFICES GEARING UP FOR THE TURN DOWN WATER STREET AND YOUR TRAIN!
ENTERING SOUTH LEXINGTON AVENUE FROM TRANSCENTER HEADING BACK TO THE GOOD OLD SOUTH END
DOWN LEX WE ZIP PAST PUBLIC SAFETY HEADQUARTERS AND WHITE PLAINS TV STUDIOS,(THE WORLD TELECAST HOME OF WHITE PLAINS WEEK), AND PEDALING FOR POST ROAD
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