Lane Closures Suspended from Friday, September 1 at 6 a.m. to Tuesday, September 5 at 6 a.m.
Motorists Urged to Slow Down and Move Over for Roadside Emergency and Maintenance Vehicles
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended from 6 a.m. on Friday, September 1, to 6 a.m. on Tuesday, September 5, to ease travel throughout Labor Day weekend. Suspension of roadside construction during a weekend of increased traffic also helps protect the safety of highway workers, including those in organized labor, during a holiday that honors the ideals of the labor movement.
“From our scenic trails to our world class state parks, New York is home to some of the best places to celebrate Labor Day weekend,” Governor Hochul said. “We want to make sure that travelers get to their destinations safely and with minimal interruptions, so I encourage all New Yorkers to plan their trip ahead of time and be safe on the roadways to ensure everyone can celebrate the holiday with family and friends.”
The construction suspension aligns with New York State's Drivers First Initiative, which prioritizes the convenience of motorists to minimize traffic congestion and travel delays due to road and bridge work. Motorists should follow the state's Move Over Law, which requires motorists to slow down and safely move over for law enforcement vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, tow trucks and construction or maintenance vehicles that are stopped along roads across the state. Motorists should be aware that some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs.
Text stops, including park-and-ride facilities, rest stops, service areas and parking areas along state highways support the state's effort to reduce distracted driving. All text stops will remain open, providing locations where drivers can safely and conveniently use their phones and other mobile devices for calling, texting, navigating and accessing mobile apps. Texting while driving is especially dangerous, as it requires motorists to take their eyes off the road, hands off the wheel and mind off driving.
The Thruway Authority reminds motorists that 10 service areas are closed and under construction as part of the $450 million private investment and modernization project. Fuel services remain open at all locations. Motorists can view the service areas and plan their stops on the Thruway Authority's website and on the free mobile app.
Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “With the summer season winding down and schools across the state getting in gear, New Yorkers will be hitting the roads this weekend for one last gasp of summer. Less construction will help minimize congestion and also keep our roadside workers out of harm’s way during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. Drivers should remain alert, put down their phones, and buckle up. I urge all motorists to follow the rules of the road and always be ready to move over for emergency vehicles.”Travelers can check NYSDOT's 511NY before traveling by calling 5-1-1, visiting the 511 website, or downloading the free 511NY mobile app on iTunes or Google Play. The free service allows users to check road conditions, view 2219 traffic cameras and link to air and transit information. The app features Drive mode, which provides audible alerts along a chosen route while a user is driving, warning them about incidents and construction.
Follow New York State DOT on Twitter @NYSDOT and on Facebook at New York State Department of Transportation.
The Department of Motor Vehicles urges drivers to use the Have a Plan app to help find a safe way home from a celebration where they may be drinking. The free app from the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee and the NYS STOP-DWI Foundation allows users to designate a driver, call a cab or ride share, and to review the consequences of impaired driving. Users can even use the app to report a drunk or drugged driver. The app is available for Apple, Android and Windows smart phones.
Follow DMV on Twitter @NYSDMV and on Facebook at New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.
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