rtrux, The Alexander Hamilton Bridge crosses the East River and is a NY Department of Transportation project. There are many ways to lessen the impact. Work only at night and not during the rush hours. Put a tempoary bridge over the existing one that allows construction underneath. The NYDOT needed to try their best to prevent this traffigeddon. I don't think they even tried a little.

but this work will take more than one night, they can't work at night and reopen the lane the next morning, right?

Getting workers to work at night can almost double the cost of a project. It is very expensive to do this and most likely makes it impossible to fit into the budget. And yes, they do try to work within a budget. As for creating a temporary bridge that would divert traffic? No, working at night would be a much cheaper option than that...

When you are doing work on a project that will create massive problems for tens of thousands of people on a daily basis for months at a time, you spend what it takes to get it done fast and do the work at times where it will cause the fewest problems.

it doesnt matter day or night the lower will be 1 lane
the upper will actually expand to 3 lanes
but I think you can only get to the Deegan from the lower

This is not a PA project. The Alexander Hamilton Bridge which goes over the Harlem River, not the East River, is part of the Interstate highway system; I-95. The work could be done at night at considerable expense. Building a bridge over the existing one is probably impossible due to the added weight of the structure. And, that would probably close the bridge altogether.
Now, let me see, the pavement needs repair because of all the traffic that goes over it day and night especially heavy trucks. There will be some inconvenience but that is better than the future damage to cars tires, suspension systems, dentures, etc. How much inconvenience would that cause later on a daily basis?
What was the old ad on TV; 'pay me now or pay me later'?

you have something against NYC contractors? lol

I didn't mean it,honest. It was all a misunderstanding.

I take it Hank that you don't travel the GW or Alexander Hamilton Bridges. The GW is 4 lanes. And, you can get to the Deegan from either the lower or upper levels though I would recommend using the lower as you won't have to merge to the right to approach the Deegan from the upper level.

From what I heard on the news, the lane closes at midnight Friday.

Here's how I approach that problem. I take the lower level and stay on the middle lane and then take the right hand exit toward the Harlem River Dr. I then make a right and and make a long left to go over to the Washington Br. Stay on the right of the Washington Bridge, don't confuse this with the GW Bridge. When I leave the bridge I go left to Fordham Rd and and make a right. Go across the Bronx on Fordham Rd. This gets you right to the Bronx Zoo. It is stop-and-go traffic though.

I should also add over the TZ follow 287 to Cross Westchester (stay to left at big split) then Exit 3 is the Sprain Brook. It is only about 10-15 minutes on the Sprain/ Bronx River and you are at the exit for the Zoo. Will be much better for all. Those who want to go to Yankee Stadium should follow 87 (stay right at big split) that turns into the Deegan. Or even better get off right over bridge go to Tarrytown train station and take the Metro North line to the game. Very easy and quick.

Befriend Gov. Christie.

Or taking the ferry. I'm just going to drive to the Holland every day.