Remnants of the Tappan Zee Bridge demolition in New York City are being used as artificial reefs along Long Island, a report by the New York Times says. Chunks of concrete and steel will be scattered among a half-dozen artificial reefs.
The first bargeload of the remnants will be carried off the week of April 29, with 29 more loads to follow in summer and early fall. The report says using the bridge remnants is part of the state’s goal to expand its artificial reef program that aims to provide new habitats and increase diversity of marine life, promote recreational fishing and diving and pump up economic development.
The old bridge parts will be sunk with 30 decommissioned barges, tugboats and tenders from the Erie Canal and steel pipes and scarp material from state transportation projects, the report says. The bridges steel trusses may also be used to build up the reefs. State officials say in the report that all materials will be thoroughly cleaned before being submerged.
Transportation costs for the project is around $5 million, which will be covered by the Tappan Zee Constructors, a team of private contractors building the bridge’s replacement, and the New York State Power Authority.
The state artificial reef program maintains 12 reefs, two in Long Island, two in the Great South Bay and eight in the Atlantic Ocean. The report says the reefs sit on sites ranging from three acres to 744 acres.
Other parts of the bridge are being recycled and sent to scrap yards. The report says the New York State Thruway Authority, which operated Tappan Zee, solid 133 concrete and rebar panels from the deck of the bridge for $1 per piece to counties and the state Department of Transportation for use in infrastructure projects.