New York Shortlists Tappan Zee Bidders

The New York State Thruway Authority and the New York State Department of Transportation released the list of qualified competitive bidders for the US$5.2 billion replacement of the Tappan Zee Hudson River bridge. Four of the five original bidders made the shortlist.

The qualified consortiums include:

• Hudson River Bridge Constructors: Dragados USA, Flatiron Constructors, Samsung C&T, E&C Americas and Yonkers Contracting Company
• Kiewit-Skanska-Weeks Joint Venture: Kiewit Infrastructure Co., Skanska USA Civil Northeast and Weeks Marine
• Tappan Zee Bridge Partners: Bechtel Infrastructure Corporation and Tutor Perini Corporation
• Tappan Zee Constructors: Fluor Enterprises, American Bridge Company, Granite Construction Northeas and Traylor Bros.

"New York can now begin the single largest bridge project in its modern history. The eventual contract awardee will be setting a national standard for similar mega-projects that are completed on an accelerated and environmentally sound schedule," Howard P. Milstein, New York State Thruway Authority chairman, said.

Under the design-build process authorized by the New York State legislature last year, the private sector competes to offer the most innovative, cost effective designs for the new bridge. Rather than the state mandating a specific bridge design and construction method, qualified firms compete to bring cutting edge ideas and technology for the replacement bridge, along with an expedited construction schedule.

The 3-mile-long bridge spans the Hudson River and was opened in 1955. Public hearings on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement are scheduled for the end of this month.

Photo shows Tappan Zee Bridge.