Construction-related Lane Closures Suspended For New Year's

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced Thursday that temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended from 6 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, through 6 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 2 to ease travel for residents and visitors during peak New Year's travel days. Some work may continue behind concrete barriers or for emergency repairs.

The construction suspension supports Cuomo's Drivers First initiative, which prioritizes the convenience of motorists to minimize traffic congestion and travel delays due to road and bridge work.

"As New Yorkers continue to celebrate the holiday season, the state remains committed to ensuring residents and visitors traveling during this busy time get to their destination safely and as easily as possible," Cuomo said. "I encourage those driving on New York's highways to take advantage of rest areas and text stops, and to follow all traffic laws to ensure a healthy, happy New Year for everyone."

Motorists can expect to see sobriety checkpoints and more New York State Troopers on the roadways during the holiday travel season. The New York State Thruway Authority will also continue its 48-year tradition of offering free coffee and hot tea to travelers at all 27 travel plazas along the Thruway from 11 p.m. New Year's Eve through 7 a.m. New Year's morning to promote safe and alert driving.

Travelers are encouraged to use 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.

Motorists are also urged to follow the state's Move Over Law, which 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.

There will be slight variations for certain Thruway projects based on previous traffic volume. A detailed schedule of Thruway lane closures throughout the upcoming holiday is available here.

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