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Over the River

new york state thruway authority

A new bridge is being built in New York. It will cross the Hudson River. This is the biggest bridge project in the state’s history. The bridge will open in 2018. Read about how it is being built.

NEW YORK STATE THRUWAY AUTHORITY

A Team of Workers

More than 5,000 people are helping to build the bridge. These men are moving a crane.

NEW YORK STATE THRUWAY AUTHORITY

Putting Parts Together

These workers are building piers. The piers will hold up the roadways.

NEW YORK STATE THRUWAY AUTHORITY

Many Pieces

A big crane moves pieces of the bridge. The bridge will be more than three miles long. It will be made of steel and concrete. The new bridge will replace replace MYKOLA VELYCHKO—GETTY IMAGES to put something new in place of ( ) Jill replaced her toy train after her old one broke. an old one.

NEW YORK STATE THRUWAY AUTHORITY

A New Landmark

This drawing shows how the new bridge will look. The bridge will have high towers and cables. It will have two roadways next to each other.

DAVID L. RYAN—THE BOSTON GLOBE/GETTY IMAGES

Science Scoop

Workers are making sure animals are kept safe while the bridge is being built. Falcons live in a special nest box on the old bridge. A camera keeps an eye on them.

Think!

Why are bridges important? What do they help us do?

The Right Gear

People working on the new bridge wear special gear. It helps them stay safe. Look at the diagram. Then answer the questions.

NEW YORK STATE THRUWAY AUTHORITY

1. What do workers wear to protect their hands?

2. What do workers wear to keep their heads safe?

3. Which piece of gear has a side shield?

4. Which piece of gear has a steel cap?