US$ 3 billion bridge replacement contract awarded

US contractor Fluor leads a consortium that has been awarded a US$ 3 billion contract to replace New York’s aging Tappan Zee Bridge. The new, 3.1 mile (5 km) bridge will connect Westchester and Rockland counties north of Manhattan over the Hudson River.

The New York State Thruway Authority and the New York State Department of Transportation awarded the contract. The consortium consists of Flour (30%), American Bridge Company, Granite Construction Northeast and Traylor Bros.

The contract is significantly below the awarding authorities’ US$ 5.2 billion estimated cost. Fluor said it had lowered costs by reducing the weight of the structure and minimizing the number and size of foundations required. The main span of the bridge will be 350 ft (107 m) and has also been designed to minimize the number of piers needed for construction, providing a sleeker looking bridge.

The main span will be a composite deck cable-stayed structural system with outwardly inclined main span towers that Fluor claims will create an iconic look and accommodate future transit loads.

The project is scheduled for completion in 2018.