Holiday Construction Embargo To Help NY Thanksgiving Travelers

To help Thanksgiving travelers, temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways were suspended beginning 6 a.m. Wednesday. The moratorium lasts just until 6 a.m. Monday. The construction suspension supports New York's Drivers First Initiative, which prioritizes the convenience of motorists to minimize traffic congestion and travel delays due to road and bridge work.

"The Thanksgiving holiday is one of the busiest travel times of the year and we want to do all we can to ease congestion and help New Yorkers get where they need to go safely and quickly," Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said in an announcement. "I urge all motorists to drive safely, stay alert and don't drive distracted - and if you need to answer a phone call or text, use one of the many rest areas or text stops. I wish all New Yorkers a safe and happy Thanksgiving."

SEE:

• NY Thanksgiving Travel Traffic 2019: Best, Worst Times To Drive
• Congestion Not The Only Problem For Thanksgiving Travelers

Be aware some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs. There will be slight variations for certain Thruway projects based on previous traffic volume. A detailed schedule of Thruway lane closures throughout the holiday weekend is available here.

Travelers can check NYSDOT's 511NY before traveling, by calling 5-1-1, visiting the 511 website here, or downloading the free 511NY mobile app on iTunes or Google Play. The free service allows users to check road conditions, view traffic cameras and link to air and transit information.

Remember to use the state's 64 text stops, as well as Service Areas, Rest Areas and Welcome Centers located statewide as needed for texting, making phone calls, and other non-driving tasks.

Cuomo is also urging motorists to follow the state's Move Over Law, which requires motorists to slow down and move over if safe to do so, for 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.

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