Construction-Related Lane Closures Limited to Ease Travel During Holiday Weekend
Construction Suspension Protects the Safety of Roadside Workers, Keeps Them off the Road During Weekend of Increased Traffic
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 2, to 6 a.m. on Tuesday, September 6, to ease travel throughout the Labor Day holiday weekend.
"Labor Day weekend marks the end of the summer season, and many New Yorkers will be traveling across the state," Governor Hochul said. "We are suspending construction on state roads to ensure the safety of our motorists and help ensure everyone reaches their destination safely. We all need to do our part and be alert when driving, obey the speed limit, and move over for emergency service vehicles as needed."
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.
Motorists should be aware that some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs. 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.
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 ten 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. To ensure continuity of services to Thruway customers during construction, no two consecutive service areas in the same direction of travel will be closed for renovations at the same time. Motorists can view the service areas and plan their stops on the Thruway Authority's website and on the free mobile app.
Follow the Thruway Authority on Twitter @NYSThruway and on Facebook at New York State Thruway Authority.
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.
DMV and GTSC remind motorists that New York State Police and local law enforcement are increasing patrols to target impaired driving through September 5 as part of the statewide STOP-DWI "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign. The campaign is designed to reduce alcohol and other drug-related traffic crashes.
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.
