Residents weighed in on the massive Tappan Zee Bridge replacement project as a public forum was held just one day after the environmental impact study was released. Elaina Athans has more.

HUDSON VALLEY, N.Y. -- Residents heard from state officials at a public meeting on the Tappan Zee Bridge. The meeting came just one day after the results of an environmental impact study on replacing the bridge were released.

Advisors for the $5 billion project say the construction reduce congestion and improving driver safety. They say it will also provide jobs and secure the economic vitality of the region. Advisors say they'll do as much as possible not to interfere with the quality of life of nearby residents and protect the environment.

But many people still say they aren't buying it. More than 1,000 people in the area have attended Tappan Zee hearings and advisors say they've received more than 3,000 comments from the public.

Officials say they already have plans in place to address residents’ construction concerns.

''There are very specific, rules and levels contractors can't over, if they do go over them, they have to stop within an hour. I mean, there are very specific mitigation criteria that should make this whole project a lot better,” said Brian Conybeare, Tappan Zee Bridge special advisor.

Advisors also say a new bridge could support express bus services that would utilize the extra wide shoulders on the bridge. That would also help with traffic in the area.