TWMLA received the 2021 Honor Award for Built Design from the New York Upstate Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects for our work on the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge and Shared Use Path. We are delighted and humbled to have had our work selected from among such outstanding competition. We owe a debt of gratitude to our client, the New York State Thruway Authority (NYSTA) and to our many collaborators for helping us breathe life into this grand vision for multi-modal connectivity.

The Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge was built to replace the aging Tappan Zee Bridge, connecting Rockland and Westchester counties across the Hudson River. In addition to improving vehicular traffic operations and providing flexibility for future commuter rail, the project creates an accessible shared-use path (SUP) for pedestrians and cyclists. The SUP provides safe passage over the 3-mile bridge via a continuous 12-foot-wide path.

Six overlooks punctuate the bridge path every half-mile allowing for moments of respite and reflection and offering breathtaking views of the Hudson River Valley and the Manhattan skyline. Each overlook is unique and laden with amenity. The designs of the overlooks draw inspiration from the historic, cultural and ecological context of the river valley.

Trowbridge Wolf Michaels worked alongside the Thruway Authority, bridge engineers, branding consultant, and Visual Quality Panel to develop concepts for a broad range of issues. Prior to TWMLA’s involvement, the SUP was conceived as a functional, albeit basic, transportation route devoid of amenity. Inspired by recent design precedents including the High Line, the owner called on TWMLA to create a richer experience. Working closely with this group, TWMLA developed the signature designs & themes for each overlook.