The center section of the old TZB was removed last May, leaving other segments
still standing free just feet from the new bridge
NYACK – In light of the revelation that a portion of the old Tappan Zee Bridge could cause safety problems with the new adjacent Governor Mario Cuomo Bridge, Republican gubernatorial candidate Marcus Molinaro called on Sunday for a National Transportation Safety Board investigation.
The second span of the new bridge was to open on Friday night, hours after current governor, Andrew Cuomo, son of the namesake of the new bridge, held a ribbon cutting ceremony on the bridge, but it was announced late in the day a portion of the old bridge that is being deconstructed, caused potential concerns with the new bridge.
Molinaro revealed Sunday that at least two whistleblowers, who have knowledge of the new bridge construction, and deconstruction of the old one, “have raised concerns regarding the construction timeline for the bridge.”
Molinaro, currently Dutchess County Executive, said based on their information, he believes the schedule “was rushed and safety concerns set aside because Andrew Cuomo wanted the bridge he named after his father open before Thursday’s Democratic Primary” in which Cuomo is facing a challenge for that line in the November election.
“The governor has a long history of putting optics ahead of purpose and people and we believe there is adequate reason to conduct the appropriate investigation and the individuals who have talked to us will speak if they are provided with the appropriate protections and are subpoenaed to do so,” he said.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer, a Democrat like Cuomo, said
in light of the “engineering challenges” that remain, “this
is not the time for anyone to attempt to score political points using
this issue.” Instead, he said it is a time where we cooperate to
safely resolve this situation.”
