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 was built a few yards to the north of the existing bridge, and connects to the existing highway approaches of the New York State Thruway (I-87/I-287) on both river banks.
The New York State Thruway Authority requested design proposals from four companies in 2012 and eventually received three project proposals.
The authority awarded a $3.142 billion contract to Tappan Zee Constructors (TZC), whose proposal was not only the least expensive but also promised the shortest construction timeline and included plans to minimize environmental impact.
Construction began as scheduled in October 2013, with completion targeted for 2017.

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.

The new Tappan Zee Bridge was proposed to include four vehicle lanes on each span, for a total of eight lanes, as well as a shared-use bicycle and pedestrian path.
Like its predecessor, the new Tappan Zee Bridge is to be administered by the New York State Thruway Authority.
The authority is the project co-sponsor, along with the state Department of Transportation.
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 was built a few yards to the north of the existing bridge, and connects to the existing highway approaches of the New York State Thruway (I-87/I-287) on both river banks. The New York State Thruway Authority requested design proposals from four companies in 2012 and eventually received three project proposals. The authority awarded a $3.142 billion contract to Tappan Zee Constructors (TZC), whose proposal was not only the least expensive but also promised the shortest construction timeline and included plans to minimize environmental impact. Construction began as scheduled in October 2013, with completion targeted for 2017.
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.
The new Tappan Zee Bridge was proposed to include four vehicle lanes on each span, for a total of eight lanes, as well as a shared-use bicycle and pedestrian path. Like its predecessor, the new Tappan Zee Bridge is to be administered by the New York State Thruway Authority. The authority is the project co-sponsor, along with the state Department of Transportation.
Tappan Zee Bridge (2017–present)