Security reviewed after Tappan Zee Bridge construction site break-in

A security review is under way at the Tappan Zee Bridge replacement after footage of a mid-July break-in made its way to YouTube.

The Tappan Zee Constructors, the consortium of contractors tasked with designing and building the $3.9 billion structure now known as the Mario Cuomo Bridge, said security is already tight but could get tighter.

The company said it is reviewing the breach by three teenagers this summer in hopes of further locking down a work site that's already under 24-hour surveillance.

“The safety and security of the project site are top priorities for us," said Tappan Zee Constructors Spokesman Damien LaVera.

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With a partial bridge opening scheduled in less than two weeks, the revelation that three local teens accessed the work site last month triggered more security concerns than normal. It remains to be seen what steps might be taken, but Tappan Zee Constructors and the Thruway Authority already use an array of preventative measures from night vision cameras to private security guards in order to keep the work site secure.

Still, in the early morning hours July 12, three local teens were able to sneak onto the site through a hole in a chain link fence in Tarrytown and used a nearby ladder to climb onto the span. They were spotted by a guard and fled.

They posted their exploits to YouTube the next day.

Monday, the three — a 17- and 18-year-old from Yonkers and a 17-year-old from Tuckahoe — were arrested by New York State Police.

LaVera said the Tappan Zee Constructors gathered evidence on the break-in and turned it over to law enforcement.

"We appreciate the swift and professional response by the state police," he said.

The bridge project contracts with two firms, Allied Universal Security Systems and Bronx-based Johnson Security Bureau.

Surveillance is conducted through the project's Security Operations Center, where cameras, heat sensors and motion detectors are monitored. Johnson provides guards.

Tappan Zee Constructors also meets with and works with local police and fire departments.

It's unclear if the bridge's surveillance system aided in the detection of the teenagers or if they were simply spotted by a security guard.

During the video, the teens worry about how well lit and open the site is.

"I hope security or anyone isn't on to us," one of the trespassers, identified as Jared, says into the camera as the three explore the bridge's main span towers from the inside.

Shortly thereafter, they notice they've been seen by "a worker." They deliberate as to whether or not they should talk to him before fleeing the scene.

Police have still not released their names. They face misdemeanor charges of criminal trespass in the third degree in Greenburgh Town Court.

They can face up to three months in prison or one year probation.

After uploading the video, a user named Max Burke left a comment chastising the uploader, Jeppy, for posting it, saying he almost certainly would be caught.

"Don't you think the your local police know how to use the Internet/You Tube?" Max Burke wrote.

Jeppy responded that the entire thing was performed in front of a green screen.

"I hope you know I'm a filmmaker?" he replied. "I didnt actually go on the bridge I just edited myself on it using my green screen."

Tappan Zee Constructors have said they have closed the hole in the fence.

Twitter: @coynereports