The cold winter weather is limiting construction on the new Tappan Zee Bridge.

Freezing temperatures that sometimes reach dangerous levels on the Hudson River are limiting operations at the project site. Anticipating the cold weather, Tappan Zee Constructors, the group that's building the new $3.9 billion bridge, included a two-month winter shutdown as part of its schedule.

Still, TZC officials say they do have tug boats in the water at all times, inspecting and adjusting all mooring lines, and crane barges securing all equipment. And as weather permits, landside crews are working to assemble framework that will shape the bridge's landings on the Rockland and Westchester shorelines. And as much as weather conditions allow, construction on the river continues where crews are pacing the foundations of the new bridge that includes pile driving.

Workers say it is not an easy environment to work in. "It's tough. We have a little shanty with heat and stuff and we huddle in there when we're not running the crane," says crane operator Rich Ruggles.