The New York State Thruway Authority (NYSTA) filed a lawsuit on August 22 against the builders of the Mario Cuomo Bridge, seeking at least $6 million for retrofitting 61 of the 192 stay cables on the bridge. The lawsuit, submitted to the New York State Supreme Court in Albany, alleges that Tappan Zee Constructors breached their contract by refusing to address issues identified with the cables’ durability, which are crucial for the bridge’s expected 100-year lifespan.
The Mario Cuomo Bridge, a $4 billion project replacing the Tappan Zee Bridge, opened six years ago after facing delays and legal disputes. According to NYSTA, while there is no immediate safety threat, the cables need retrofitting to meet the required strength standards. The NYSTA has initiated the retrofit process to ensure the bridge’s long-term reliability.
The lawsuit names Tappan Zee Constructors, which includes Fluor Enterprises, American Bridge Co., Granite Construction Northeast, and Traylor Bros., as defendants. The contractors had previously sued NYSTA for nearly $1 billion in cost overruns related to weather issues, a crane collapse, and other problems. Additionally, Tappan Zee Constructors sought $900 million in a separate 2019 lawsuit for extra construction costs and requested project documents.
The Mario Cuomo Bridge project has been plagued by controversies, including an investigation by the New York State Attorney General into defective steel bolts. Concerns were also raised about the bridge’s second span opening, with allegations that former Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s administration pressured builders to open it despite safety concerns, which Cuomo denied.
