Limited Construction-Related Lane Closures During Busy Travel Weekend
New York –- (RealEstateRama) — Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended from 6 a.m. on Friday, May 26, to 6 a.m. on Tuesday, May 30, in order to accommodate travelers during the busy Memorial Day holiday weekend. Some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs.
“We’re coming upon one of the busiest travel weekends of the year and by suspending construction projects across the state, we can help minimize delays and disruptions to motorists on New York roadways,” Governor Cuomo said. “This action puts drivers first and will help New Yorkers and visitors alike get where they need to go as quickly as possible this Memorial Day weekend.”
The construction suspension is in keeping with Governor Cuomo’s Drivers First initiative, which prioritizes the convenience of motorists to minimize traffic congestion and travel delays due to road and bridge work.
New York’s Move Over Law requires motorists to drive with care, slow down, and safely move over when approaching law enforcement vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, tow trucks, and construction or maintenance vehicles that are stopped along roads across the state. The law was enacted in 2011 to protect New Yorkers working along the roadway and has since been expanded to include a wider range of emergency and hazard vehicles.
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Matthew J. Driscoll said, “By limiting construction activities during the Memorial Day weekend, we can help minimize traffic delays and congestion. I encourage motorists to keep in mind the Move Over law and to check 511NY before starting a trip.”
New York State Thruway Authority Acting Executive Director Bill Finch said, “We applaud Governor Cuomo for suspending major construction projects during such a high travelled weekend. The Thruway has continuously been recognized as one of the safest superhighways in the nation, and our main priority is making sure that drivers reach their destinations safe and sound. By limiting roadwork, this action will not only ease traffic for motorists, it will help ensure a safe holiday for travelers along our 570-mile roadway.”
Some work may continue on the New York State Thruway behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs. A detailed schedule of Thruway lane closures throughout the holiday weekend is available here.
AAA predicts that of the more than 39.3 million people traveling more than 50 miles from home this weekend, an estimated 34.6 million of them will be traveling by car. This Memorial Day weekend is expected to have the highest travel volume since 2005, thanks to economic growth leading to more consumer spending.
Travelers are reminded to check 511NY by calling 511 or by accessing www.511ny.org before departing. The free service allows users to check road conditions or link to air and transit information.
Mobile users can download the updated, free 511NY mobile app from the iTunes or Google Play stores. The app now features Drive mode, which provides audible alerts along a chosen route while a user is driving, warning them about incidents and construction. Users can set a destination prior to departing and receive information on up to three routes.
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