The rescheduled demolition was smoothly executed, as explosive charges safely detonated at the support columns on the bridge's east anchor span. The structure fell 142 ft in one piece into a giant net set up in the river below with a loud boom. The demolition was originally scheduled to occur over the weekend, but was postponed due to inclement weather conditions.
The new Mario Cuomo Bridge replaced the 64-year-old structure. The major thoroughfare spans the Hudson River between Tarrytown in Westchester County and Nyack in Rockland County about 30 miles north of New York City. The Cuomo Bridge opened to traffic in September 2018.
Local news reports and videos taken of the event show the demolition of the Tappan Zee was quite a popular attraction. To ensure safety, the Hudson River was closed to all recreational vessels and traffic on the new Cuomo Bridge nearby was stopped in both directions during the explosive demolition.
