Tappan Zee New Bridge and Rail Question (Rockland: living, price)

[Hudlander]

I've read the new bridge will have dedicated bus lanes and be able to carry rail service.
How?

Are 1 of the 4 lanes in each direction going to be bus only or will they use the shoulder?
As for rail, just how is it possible the bridge can be "pre" built for it?

[Yoowanna]

Originally Posted by Hudlander

I've read the new bridge will have dedicated bus lanes and be able to carry rail service.
How?

Are 1 of the 4 lanes in each direction going to be bus only or will they use the shoulder?
As for rail, just how is it possible the bridge can be "pre" built for it?

Potentially HOV lane and one for bus. I'm sure the rail will have enhanced suspension on the existing structure. I sure hope the hefty price tag concludes with a long lasting and much safer bridge.

[oberon_1]

Perhaps the rail will be elevated in the middle. But it will only be a foundation, not a finished rail. When the bridge will open, I guess you won't see any rail. \

Long lasting? The Brooklyn bridge was opened in 1883 before cars were invented, not to speak of heavy trucks. It was built for horses, carriage and pedestrians. Today, it is still standing strong.
On the other hand, TZ bridge dates back only to 1955, is flimsy and falling apart for more then 20 years...

The new bridge is not very expensive. Only the lowest cost option was selected after a long process. As of today, there is still no convenient public transportation from NJ and Rockland to Westchester.

[DarkWolf]

The MNRR/MTA have recently said they want a Rail line over the Bridge , so who knows. The line would be tunneled and use highway ROW on the Westchester side and reuse abandoned Rail lines and Highway ROW on the Rockland side. It would not be elevated which would be even more expensive , it would be grade separated. The MTA is also pushing for a Stewart Airport Link , which the PA backs...so that would add a huge + to the I-287 Rail Corridor. The Rail will stay in the center of the Bridge taking up one lane , on each side.

[TiberiusOfRome]

There should definetly be a rail line through that bridge. The good citizens of Rockland County have no options for getting ANYWHERE except for driving. They're virtually cut off from NYC and Wescthester, in terms of public transportation. This is why expansion has been slow in Rockland. Most ppl I know don't consider rockland an option for living because they all work in Manhattan and don't want to A) pay the bridge every morning and B) the train line there is lacking

[Hudlander]

The statement I read from NY said the bridge will be "rail ready" so I am wondering how this will happen.
It also says it will have bus lanes, yet never says how, just says 4 lanes in each direction giving one the impression none will be bus only.