Mario M Cuomo Bridge
Governor Mario M Cuomo Bridge in New York. Credit: New York State.

The second span of the Governor Mario M Cuomo Bridge that connects Westchester and Rockland counties in New York, US, is set to open on 8 September.

Claimed to be the first twin-span cable-stayed bridge across the Hudson River, the structure has been built by replacing the Tappan Zee Bridge.

Four lanes of eastbound-bound traffic will be moved onto the 3.1-mile cable-stayed span during an overnight operation starting 8 September.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said: “The Governor Mario M Cuomo Bridge embodies New York’s greatness and shows the world that we’re capable of dreaming big and delivering results for the people of this state.

“The first span of the bridge, which was opened for traffic in August last year, was designed and constructed by Tappan Zee Constructors.”

“This iconic, state-of-the-art twin-span structure will improve traffic flow, support the region’s economy, and is part of New York’s aggressive $100bn infrastructure plan to sustain growth for generations.”

Once the second span of the bridge is opened, eastbound motorists will be able to access four general traffic lanes and emergency shoulders.

A dedicated bus lane will open for eastbound traffic. Once the project is fully completed, it will include shoulders and dedicated bus lanes in each direction, and a bicycle and walking path.

New York Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said: “The new bridge is helping to reduce traffic and make transportation easier for New Yorkers. The project will continue to boost the area economy and is a big step forward for our state inventory of advanced infrastructure projects.”

The first span of the bridge, which was opened for traffic in August last year, was designed and constructed by Tappan Zee Constructors.

The Governor Mario M Cuomo Bridge features eight 419ft towers standing at a 5° angle. It includes a total of 192 stay cables that would stretch 14 miles if laid end-to-end.

More than 220 million pounds of all-American steel was used for the construction of the bridge, which has a lifespan of 100 years.

Cuomo also announced that the Hudson Link, which improves commuter bus service over the bridge and along the Interstate 287 corridor in Rockland and Westchester, will commence on 29 October.