Crews have started excavating work on the Tappan Zee Bridge in South Nyack, frustrating nearby residents concerned about noise and pollution.

Some residents are upset because crews have eliminated their natural buffer from the noise and pollution of the Thruway and bridge. The forest of trees was cut down in April.

John Cameron, who lives near the bridge, says the state never notified them it was removing the trees. Thruway officials tell News 12 that they removed the trees on the land they purchased to make room for permanent highway noise barriers that residents wanted.

For the next several weeks, crews will be installing interlocking steel sheets to support the roads. South Nyack Mayor Bonnie Christian says homeowners should anticipate some noise from the piledriving. Thruway officials say they will have crews install new fencing with temporary barriers to help reduce the noise.