Metro

State chooses cheapest Tappan Zee bridge replacement

New York State Transportation Commissioner Thomas Madison says the state will choose a $3.14 billion project to replace the Tappan Zee bridge in New York City’s northern suburbs.

Madison announced that the state Thruway Authority is expected to approve the least expensive of three options when it meets later Monday.

Tolls for the heavily used commuter bridge between Westchester and Rockland counties are expected to nearly triple from the current $5.

The state is waiting on a decision from the federal government on a request for a loan that could cover $2.9 billion of the cost. The Obama administration rejected New York’s application a year ago, but invited the state to reapply. That was viewed as a positive sign in Albany.