In May of 2015, EVS Metal was awarded a contract from the New York State Thruway Authority (NYSTA) to contribute metal fabrications for the “New NY Bridge/New Tappan Zee Bridge” — the original working name for the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. A multi-billion dollar project, the bridge will replace the original Tappan Zee, and features separate, 3.1 mile spans, one for each direction of travel. After 600,000 work hours, the design stage is now at 99% completion and construction is underway, with the bridge opening slated for 2018.
“It was incredibly gratifying to be awarded a contract that will make a difference so close to home,” said Joe Amico, Vice President and Co-Founder of EVS. “The Tappan Zee regularly carries many EVS employees and customers; having the chance to contribute to our community by being a part of a project like this is always exciting for our company.”
The Tappan Zee is an important connection point for the New York City metropolitan area; the bridge spans the Hudson River, linking Rockland and Westchester Counties. Originally opened in 1955, it currently supports an average of 138,000 vehicles per day, far exceeding the amount it was designed to carry. The new Tappan Zee Bridge project is designed to serve more vehicles with additional lanes, and includes a pedestrian and bicycle path as well as a proposed mass-transit system. When it opens, it will be the longest and most complex bridge crossing in the New York State Thruway System.
EVS’ initial contract for the new Tappan Zee bridge called for the fabrication of metal foam clips, an integral part of the finished bridge’s roadbed. These metal clips lie across girders, holding foam in place so precast decking may be laid on top. A quick glance at the above photo illustrates the importance of these clips in the bridge’s overall design and can be seen protruding from the sides of the attached layer of foam and decking that will eventually support the road, and the 138,000 vehicles who utilize it each day.
EVS recently accepted a second contract with NYSTA and is now fabricating high-tolerance fixtures that will assist in ensuring accurate spacing when concrete is poured for the new Tappan Zee bridge’s roadway. “We are proud to have been selected for the second time as a vendor for the new Tappan Zee,” said Amico. “The opportunity to continue making contributions to a project so close to home is enormously satisfying.”
For more information about EVS’ role in this project, or to discuss your company’s metal fabrication and supply-chain needs, contact our specialists today by calling (973) 839-4432 or by requesting a personalized quote online.
