The first step in preparing for that is to switch the existing bridge over to an all-electronic system.
For drivers who don't have an E-ZPass, cameras will photograph their license plates and a bill will be sent via mail.
The board on Thursday approved issuing $500 million in short-term bonds to jump-start construction of the new $3.14 billion bridge.
The bonds will be used to pay for initial project costs during the next six months.
The authority said the money would be paid back with a U.S. Department of Transportation loan the state hopes to secure in the coming months.
Last week, the state comptroller and attorney general approved the bridge contract between the Thruway Authority and Tappan Zee Constructors.
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