<P> By the 2000s, the bridge was "decaying" and "overburdened". The deteriorating structure bore an average of 140,000 vehicles per day, substantially more traffic than its designed capacity . The collapse of Minnesota's I - 35W Mississippi River bridge in 2007 raised worries about the Tappan Zee Bridge's structural integrity . These concerns, together with traffic overcapacity and increased maintenance costs, escalated the serious discussions already ongoing about replacing the Tappan Zee with a tunnel or a new bridge . Six options were identified and submitted for project study and environmental review . </P> <P> The 1950s Tappan Zee bridge was retired from service in 2017, as a replacement bridge was constructed . The new bridge is intended to last at least 100 years . </P> <P> The Federal Highway Administration issued a report in October 2011 designating the Tappan Zee's replacement to be a dual - span twin bridge . The new bridge is now under construction a few yards to the north of the existing bridge, and will connect to the existing highway approaches of the New York State Thruway (I - 87 / I - 287) on both river banks . Construction began as scheduled during October 2013, with completion targeted for 2017 . After some delays, the project is currently expected to be completed by June 15, 2018, at a cost of $3.98 billion . </P> <P> Originally, some motorists thought that bridge tolls could more than double (to $12 - $15 for automobiles, eastbound only), rising to those of New York City's Hudson River crossings . However, the state passed legislation freezing the toll on the bridge at $5 through 2020 in its 2016 legislative session . </P>

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