NYACK – With reports of structural issues on the new Governor Cuomo Tappan Zee Bridge, State Assemblyman Colin Schmitt has called in the Federal Highway Administration to lead an independent investigation of the safety of the bridge over the Hudson River.
Inspections of bolts on the twin spans that connects Rockland and Westchester counties have said there is no danger, but Schmitt isn’t taking the state at its word.
Thruway Authority Executive Director Matthew Driscoll and Project Director Jamey Barbas, meanwhile, stated, “the bridge is completely safe for the traveling public. The Federal Highway Administration, upon review of technical investigation (last) week stated they have no safety concerns with the bridge.”
“With the current administration here in the State of New York and concerns over honesty and integrity in what they might be providing the public, I am seeking an independent federal investigation so that the public can feel that there is true accountability and true creditability in whatever is going on with this bridge,” he said.
A statement from the Federal Highway Administration read: “Since the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge went into service in 2017, it has been regularly and thoroughly inspected as required by National Bridge Inspection Standards. These inspections have not revealed any safety issues with the bridge.”
Schmitt has also signed onto an Assembly Republican conference-wide letter to the inspector general of the U.S. Transportation Department on the same matter.
