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TARRYTOWN, N.Y. – Jeff Koons, the artist known for his playful puppy sculptures, and architect Richard Meier are among the group of artists, community leaders and technical experts who will help pick the winning bid for a new Tappan Zee Bridge, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday.
The new design review team will help evaluate proposals and pick the final bridge design based on a variety of criteria, including best price for toll payers, bridge structure, future transit options, traffic management plans and construction plans. A final, formal decision will be made by the New York State Thruway Authority after the review team makes a recommendation.
"Another day, another big step toward building a new bridge to replace the Tappan Zee which will be stronger, safer, better as well as one which will live up to the beauty and splendor of the Hudson River," Cuomo said in a prepared statement. "For this project, we are creating a different kind of review team – it’s a team that combines technical experts, architectural experts, local experts, as well as artists to ensure the new bridge is the best choice and fit for the region."
Three design-build teams submitted bids for the proposed bridge in July, shortly before the state released the final environmental impact study. Officials want to build two parallel spans about 300 feet north of the existing bridge.
Members of the review team include bridge designer Keith Brownlie, Metropolitan Museum of Art Director Thomas P. Campbell, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino and Tarrytown Mayor Drew Fixell. A full list of the review team is available on the governor’s website.
Comments (1)
The Tappan Zee is a gorgeous bridge that spanned my lifetime. Sadly, it seems to be a magnet for people in extreme despair - hope the designers of the new bridge take that into account, and are successful.