As layers of government weigh in on building a new Tappan Zee Bridge, a group of walkers and cyclists have their own plans for the existing one.

The Tappan Bridge Park Alliance (click here to sign a petition) is proposing turning the 3-mile, 33-acre span into a recreational path across the Hudson — sort of like a High Line for Westchester. The group already has several local leaders on board including White Plains Councilwoman Milagros Lecuona, whose vision for the park you see here.

At this point, the proposal is just that — an idea. But advocates say reusing the massive structure for recreation makes perfect sense.  As committee member David McKay Wilson puts it, “The bridge – now in the prime of middle-age at 56 years old – will have plenty of life left in him when the new bridge opens. ”

“This bridge is our heritage, the iconic image of the lower Hudson Valley and the northeast corridor. Why not preserve it? Why not make it a preserve?” he says.

Up in Highland, NY, Walkway Over the Hudson turned an old abandoned railroad bridge into a pedestrian park that opened on October 3, 2009.