New York Construction Report special feature
The Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge — the iconic replacement for the aging Tappan Zee — has redefined transportation between Westchester and Rockland counties, providing a safer, more efficient connection across one of the Hudson River’s widest spans. As one of the largest infrastructure undertakings in the Northeast, the project demanded not only engineering precision but also strict adherence to environmental protection standards.
Among the unsung contributors to the bridge’s success was Concrete Washout Systems (CWS), whose patented washout containers played a crucial role in maintaining environmental compliance throughout construction. At peak activity, more than 35 CWS units were deployed across the massive worksite to contain and treat caustic concrete washout — the highly alkaline runoff generated when cleaning concrete trucks, pumps, and tools.
Without proper containment, this runoff poses a serious risk to waterways. The CWS system provided a reliable and efficient method to capture and manage this material, preventing pollution and ensuring full compliance with state and federal environmental regulations.
The Cuomo Bridge project stands as a model for how sustainability and infrastructure advancement can go hand in hand. Through partners like CWS, the construction industry continues to prove that large-scale projects can meet both performance and environmental goals — protecting vital natural resources while delivering transformative infrastructure for future generations.
For more information, visit concretewashoutnjny.com or call 973-942-3131 (NJ) or 973-956-8854 (NY).
