If you are one of the approximately 170,000 drivers who pass over the Tappan Zee Bridge each day, then you know it is one of New York’s most critical transportation links. It not only connects Westchester and Rockland counties but also plays a vital role in the economic life of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.

Built in 1955 and designed to last 50 years, the Tappan Zee is now well beyond its lifespan and has been under endless repair to keep it operational.

Despite the critical role the bridge plays in our economy and quality of life, our political leadership has been AWOL about a replacement. Numerous reports and analyses of options have been issued during the administrations of the last three governors, yet not a single step forward has been taken. Even if the work were begun today, a new bridge would be years away.  Is there no end to the inertia? Or do we need another Schoharie Creek or Champlain Bridge to prompt the gang in Albany to do something?

It’s hard to ignite public enthusiasm for—or in this case, outrage over—infrastructure issues. But if the Tappan Zee can’t be sustained by ongoing repairs, taking it out of service would have a severe and unprecedented impact on the region. Just imagine the paralyzing effect a bridge closing would have if traffic into the boroughs was diverted to the already overburdened George Washington Bridge and Lincoln and Holland tunnels. And a History Channel documentary on the country’s crumbling infrastructure dramatically depicted the Tappan Zee falling into the Hudson River. What do the filmmakers know that our politicians seem to be ignorant of?  

It’s time for our political leadership to get its collective head out of the sand and fast track a new Tappan Zee. Tell your elected officials that infrastructure can no longer be ignored by logging onto the “Take Action” page at AAANYS.com.