Construction-Related Lane Closures Suspended For Thanksgiving

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced Tuesday that temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended beginning at 6 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21 through 6 a.m. Monday, Nov. 26, to accommodate travelers during the busiest Thanksgiving travel days. Some work may continue behind permanent 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.

New Yorkers are also reminded that state and local law enforcement will be participating in an impaired driving enforcement campaign from Wednesday, November 21 through Sunday, November 25. The enforcement and education campaign is designed to prevent intoxicated and drugged driving on state and local roads. Motorists can expect to see law enforcement stopping and arresting impaired drivers to keep New York's roads safe this holiday week.

"With this year's Thanksgiving holiday expected to be one of the busiest in recent years, it is our top priority to ensure all travelers reach their destination safely and without delay," Cuomo said. "I urge all drivers to be responsible on the roads so that New Yorkers and visitors can enjoy the holiday with family and friends."

SEE ALSO: Thanksgiving Trips Could Take Four Times As Long: AAA

Cuomo is also urging motorists 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.

Motorists are encouraged to utilize 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.

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.

The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway here.

Travelers are reminded to check 511NY by calling 511 or by accessing www.511.org before departing. The free service allows users to check road conditions or link to air and transit information.

Mobile users can download the free 511NY mobile app from the iTunes or Google Play stores. The app now features Drive mode, which provides audible alerts along a chosen route while a user is driving, warning them about incidents and construction. Users can set a destination prior to departing and receive information on up to three routes.

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Photo credit: NYS Thruway Authority.