78-year-old Kosciuszko Bridge demolished to make way for new span

It is the end of the road for the old Kosciuszko Bridge.
The 78-year-old span was demolished Sunday to make way for two new state-of-the-art bridges. The first part of that new project was opened in April.
The bridge was taken down in a controlled implosion during a special ceremony led by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
"By dropping the spans intact we will ensure minimal dust and debris," said Wahid Albert, chief engineer of the Department of Transportation.
Albert also says that this approach has made the construction quicker and less expensive.
Sunday's demolition marked the last of two phases to scrap the old bridge. The middle section of the bridge had been removed in July.
The demolition of the old bridge will allow space for the construction of a second span and officials say the $873 million project is necessary to alleviate traffic headaches.
Tickets for the demolition for nearby spots were distributed Saturday and traffic in the area was worse than normal.
The new Kosciuszko Bridge is expected to be completed in 2019 and will have nine lanes. It will also have a pathway for bikes and pedestrians.