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“We believe that having a new bridge presents new opportunities for new approaches to traffic management and safety,” Assemblymembers Clark and Abinanti said in the letter. “Separating trucks and passenger cars into dedicated lanes will no doubt have an effect on reducing congestion and improving safety.”
The letter highlights examples including the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge, connecting the United States and Canada over the Niagara River, which has a 1.2 mile lane dedicated to truck traffic -- separate from passenger cars.
The Assembly members also noted that New Jersey has dedicated lanes on the New Jersey Turnpike. California and Missouri also have dedicated lanes for trucks and cars on both urban freeways and rural interstates.
“We believe the Tappan Zee Bridge is uniquely qualified for dedicated car-only lanes. Often, conditions on the bridge - including strength of wind -- will determine traffic management and speed on the bridge,” the letter said. “During a time where trucks are getting bigger and cars are getting smaller, it is appropriate that you consider the best possible ideas to reduce the stress on drivers and increase the safety for all.”
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