New York State Thruway Authority

Tappan Zee Corridor Congestion Relief Initiative (Follow-Up Review)

The 15-mile Tappan Zee Corridor, which includes the Tappan Zee Bridge and the Spring Valley Toll Barrier, is the most heavily traveled section of the New York State Thruway. In July 1997, in an attempt to reduce the amount of traffic in the Corridor and discourage commercial traffic on the Tappan Zee Bridge, especially during rush hours, the Thruway Authority eliminated some tolls and raised other tolls for certain types of vehicles at certain travel times. In our prior audit report 98-S-58, we examined the effects of these actions and found that the toll changes had a revenue-neutral effect, as was intended, and traffic congestion was virtually eliminated at the Spring Valley Toll Barrier. However, the total amount of traffic on the Tappan Zee Bridge, and the amount of commercial traffic during rush hours, increased slightly. We recommended actions that could help the Authority achieve its objectives, and in our follow-up review, we found that our recommendations have generally been implemented.

For a complete copy of Report 2000-F-26 click here.
For a copy of the 90-day response click here.