End of an Era: Where to Watch The Tappan Zee Bridge Demolition On Saturday

For many, it will be a moment of nostalgia; for others, the chance for a little mid-winter excitement, or a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Whatever the reason, hundreds are expected to come out Saturday morning to witness the last moments of the Tappan Zee Bridge in New York before it is exploded into oblivion.

Here are some of the best spots to view the demolition and some tips from police and municipal officials.

ROCKLAND
Piermont: The Piermont Pier will be closed to vehicular traffic starting Friday night but will remain open to pedestrians. Drivers will be directed to Parking Lot D by police officers and officials with the Department for Public Works. There will be handicap parking by the Goswick Pavilion. There will also be viewing options from the North Walkway behind the condo development at the beginning of the pier that can be accessed from Flywheel Park. Village Mayor Bruce Tucker also said the demolition could be viewed from Tweed Boulevard.

Grand View-on-Hudson:  Although there are no public spaces along the river to view the demolition, there are unobstructed views along River Road where people can park and watch, village officials said.

Nyack:  People can view the demolition from Memorial Park, but it will be an obstructed view and there is limited parking.

WESTCHESTER
Tarrytown: The beginning of the Riverwalk (near Van Wart Avenue) is an ideal place to view the demolition, which can be accessed from the Old Croton Aqueduct in the south, but parking is limited. There are a few public parks, including Pierson Park in Tarrytown and Kingsland Point Park in Sleepy Hollow that will be open. Kingsland Point Park is north of the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge and may have obstructed views.

Irvington: Scenic Hudson Park has a view of the bridge from about 2 miles away. There is limited parking available.

TIPS & TIDBITS
Arrive early. Officials recommend being at your viewing spot by 8:30 a.m. at the latest.
If you are viewing from Piermont or Irvington, consider bringing binoculars.
Many police departments will have additional officers on staff to control traffic and parking. There will also be a dedicated officer patrol on Route 9W to ensure there are no traffic snafus.
Parking may be limited in some places, and when lots are full, people will be turned away.

- Courtesy of Rochel Leah Goldblatt, Rockland/Westchester Journal News