NY Metro Transportation Council Approves Plan For New Tappan Zee Bridge
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A new Tappan Zee Bridge is one step closer to reality, as the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council unanimously approved a nearly $5.5 billion proposal in Downtown Manhattan on Monday.
County executives' votes were crucial for the project to qualify for federal funds.
Under the current plan, the bridge will have a dedicated bus lane during rush hours.
Plans for a commuter rail line or bus mass transit were dropped because of cost.
Environmental advocacy group Riverkeeper slammed the vote, saying it is based on a "sketchy" financial plan.
The council hopes construction on the new bridge will begin early next year and conclude in 2017.