Engineers revealed their preliminary designs for a possible replacement for the aging Tappan Zee Bridge.

There are six options for either repairing or replacing the bridge that carries 135,000 cars and trucks daily. One plan involves building a new bridge with two lanes exclusively devoted to a bus rapid transit system. Another proposal also includes a new bridge, but with a commuter rail system linking Orange and Rockland counties to Westchester and beyond. Some plans involve the possibility of a new train station near the Palisades Mall.

The agencies involved say they don't think they will need to take over additional land on either side of the bridge. However, many agree something needs to be done to alleviate congestion on a deteriorating bridge. The presentation will be shown at open houses in Westchester and Rockland later in February. The goal is to have an alternative selected by summer 2008 and the work to begin sometime two years later.

Related Information State comptroller to review contractors bidding to repair Tappan Zee