Officials Ask Boaters To Be Safe Near Tappan Zee Bridge Construction Site
TARRYTOWN, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- As the unofficial start to summer gets underway this weekend, officials are warning boaters to be careful around the Tappan Zee Bridge construction site.
Officials said Thursday the project on the Hudson River creates more hazards for boaters. Brian Conybeare, the governor's adviser on the project, says construction activity around the bridge has "increased dramatically.''
There are approximately 155 barges, boats and other construction vessels moving along the 3-mile site. Boaters are being told to stay at least 1,000-feet away from all construction equipment.
"These vessels can move around at any time, it is a very, very busy construction site," Conybeare said.
He encourages boaters to visit www.newnybridge.com and take a look at the GPS vessel tracking system.
"Our main concern is during times of reduced visibility, at night it's a lot harder to see out here," Lt. Jame Luciano of the Westchester Marine Unit said.
Officials ask boaters to pay more attention to avoid any accidents. A bride-to-be and her fiance's best man died near the site two years ago when a boater hit a construction barge.
The $3.9 billion project is expected to be completed in 2018.
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