Drivers: New Tappan Zee Construction Causing Rubbernecking
TARRYTOWN, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Drivers: Keep your eyes off the new Tappan Zee Bridge and on the road in front of you.
As WCBS 880's Sean Adams reported, it's difficult to ignore the mammoth blue girders and the concrete supports sprouting up from the Hudson River.
The new bridge is taking shape, and some drivers are hitting the brakes and gawking.
Drivers: Construction Of New Tappan Zee Causing Rubbernecking
"We have to be really careful because everybody's gawking over there, and they're not paying that much attention to their driving," one motorist said. "It's pretty hazardous out there."
"Now what happens is you cross the crown of the bridge, you pick up speed, you get up to 40, 50, 55 ... (then) everyone wants to throw on the brakes," a Tarrytown man said. "You see brake lights coming on. You don't know if there's an accident. You don't know what's going on, and then the gawkers are turning to their right. They're not paying attention. You get fender benders."
While many drivers complain of gawking, the New York State Thruway Authority said there is no evidence of significant traffic delays due to rubbernecking. It suggests that anyone wanting to see the construction check out the Web cams or the viewing platform on the shore.
The first span of the $3.9 billion bridge is on schedule to open late next year. That's when the old bridge will come down.
The second span built in its place should open in 2018.
