Halting Construction Projects during Holiday Weekend is Part of Governor’s “Drivers First” Initiative
Albany, NY – August 29, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that most construction projects on the New York State Thruway and main routes overseen by the State Department of Transportation (DOT) will be suspended over the Labor Day weekend holiday period, historically known as one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. The Governor’s ‘Drivers First’ initiative prioritizes the convenience of motorists and ensures that disruptions are as minimal as possible to drivers at highway and bridge projects across the state.
“The Labor Day holiday weekend is a time when millions of travelers are taking one final summer getaway, and each year it is one of our state’s busiest travel periods,” Governor Cuomo said. “To ease congestion on our roadways and reduce delays as much as possible, we are suspending the vast majority of construction projects on the Thruway and main DOT routes over the duration of this weekend. So whether you’re headed to the State Fair, the Adirondacks, the Finger Lakes, or are still making plans, I encourage New Yorkers to get out and enjoy a smooth trip to one of New York State’s great destinations.”
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Joan McDonald said, “We ask motorists to carefully plan their travel this weekend to ensure they can arrive at their destination safely and on-time. Before heading out, travelers should call 511 or check 511ny.org for live traffic and mass transit conditions. Know before you go!”
Thruway Authority Executive Director Thomas J. Madison said, “While suspending construction projects will help smooth the way for travelers, traffic is still likely to be heavy on many sections of the Thruway, and we encourage all motorists to drive carefully and put safety first at all times.”
Last year, more than 2.7 million vehicles traveled over 95 million miles on the Thruway from Friday afternoon through Labor Day. Construction will be suspended throughout the Thruway system over the holiday weekend with the exception of the following:
Contractors will be working behind the barrier on the road-widening project between exits 23 (Albany downtown) and 24 (Albany, I-90 and I-87)
Work will continue on the Harris Hill-Transit Road Project on I-90 just east of exit 49 (Depew-Lockport)
Safety upgrade work will continue on the Thruway on either side of Exit 48A (Pembroke)
Overnight work will continue on the southbound South Grand Island Bridge (I-190)
Additionally, the DOT will be suspending temporary lane closures on main routes starting Friday at noon and running through Monday, with one exception. Work will occur overnight Friday on I-390 at Scottsville Road in Rochester, requiring a temporary lane closure.
Motorists should be prepared for potential delays due to holiday weekend traffic on heavily traveled state highways and interstates, and at the following locations along the NYS Thruway:
· Lackawanna and Williamsville toll barriers near Buffalo
The I-190 (Niagara Thruway) Grand Island Bridge toll plazas northbound and southbound.
Exits 23 (Albany downtown) and 24 (Albany, I-90 & I-87)
The Canaan toll barrier and Exit B1 on the Berkshire section of I-90, which connects the Thruway to the Massachusetts Turnpike
Exit 17 (Newburgh) and Exit 16 (Harriman)
The Woodbury, New Rochelle and Tappan Zee Bridge toll barriers
All 27 travel plazas along the Thruway will be open regular hours for the Labor Day weekend holiday period. For a listing of the travel plazas and amenities, please visit the Thruway Authority’s website at http://www.thruway.ny.gov/travelers/travelplazas/index.html.
To receive TRANSalert emails with information on Thruway traffic incidents and other timely information, go to: http://www.thruway.ny.gov/tas/index.shtml.
To see real-time webcam views of the Thruway, go to: http://www.thruway.ny.gov/travelers/map/index.html?layer=cameras.
To see an interactive map including Google traffic conditions for the Thruway and other roadways in New York State and beyond, go to:
http://www.thruway.ny.gov/travelers/map/index.html?layer=traffic.
For real-time travel information, call 511 or visit www.511NY.org. 511NY is New York State’s official traffic and travel information source. The 511NY site and mobile app offer free, 24/7, statewide, real-time traffic and transit information for all of New York State. It also offers a transit trip planner, camera views, as well as weather alerts and forecasts.
Contact:
Governor’s Press Office
NYC Press Office: 212.681.4640
Albany Press Office: 518.474.8418
press.office (at) exec.ny (dot) gov
