TAPPAN ZEE

• Latitude: 41.0465
• Longitude: -73.9162
• US East Coast
• Marina in US

Location: Westchester and Rockland Counties NY US

The Tappan Zee is not a marine port; it refers to a section of the Hudson River in New York. This area is most widely known for the former Tappan Zee Bridge (officially named the Governor Malcolm Wilson Tappan Zee Bridge) and its replacement, the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, that connects Rockland and Westchester Counties. While not a port, the Tappan Zee area does have some relevance to river traffic.

Tappan Zee Overview:

1. Location:

   • Situated in southeastern New York state, spanning the Hudson River.

2. Bridge:

   • The original Tappan Zee Bridge was opened in 1955 and replaced by the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, which opened in 2017.
   • The bridge provides a critical transportation link between Rockland and Westchester Counties.

3. Geographical Specifics:

   • The Tappan Zee is a natural widening of the Hudson River, almost three miles wide at its broadest point.
   • This section of the river lies approximately 25 miles (40 km) north of New York City.

Marine Traffic:

While the Tappan Zee is primarily known for the bridge, it does accommodate a variety of river traffic, given its location on the Hudson River, which is a significant navigational waterway.

1. Commercial Shipping:

   • The Hudson River is used for various types of commercial shipping, including cargo barges and tankers.
   • The Tappan Zee section acts as a passage for these vessels traveling to and from the Port of Albany and other river ports.

2. Recreational Boating:

   • The wider section of the river at Tappan Zee provides ample space for recreational boating.
   • Marina facilities and yacht clubs are located along the banks.

Specifications:

• Width: Nearly 3 miles wide at its broadest point.
• Depth: Varies, but the Hudson River is dredged to accommodate deep-draft vessels.
• Bridge Clearance: The Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge was built with a clearance of 139 feet (42 meters) above the river to allow for the passage of larger vessels.

Infrastructure:

1. Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge:

   • Two cable-stayed spans, each approximately 3.1 miles long.
   • Includes dedicated paths for bicyclists and pedestrians in addition to vehicle lanes.

2. Surrounding Facilities:

   • Marinas and docking facilities along the river.
   • Nearby towns and cities provide amenities, services, and logistics support.

Limitations:

• Not a Cargo Port: While significant for transportation and river traffic, the Tappan Zee is not a designated cargo or container port.

Notable:

• The area holds historical significance and offers scenic views, making it a point of interest for both locals and visitors.

Although Tappan Zee itself is not a port, its strategic location on the Hudson River makes it an important segment of riverine traffic and a critical infrastructure point for road transportation.