Work-related lane closures suspended

Construction-related lane closures during peak holiday travel days suspended.

NEWYORK >> Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York state highways will be suspended during peak holiday travel times over the next two weeks to ease travel for motorists.

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.

“Many families will be traveling over the holidays and we want everyone to arrive at their destinations safely and without any major delay,” Governor Cuomo said. “To help ease traffic, we are suspending construction on state roads during peak holiday travel days. Drivers should utilize the many text stops, rest areas and service areas across the state, and always drive sober to help make this a happy, safe holiday season.”

All road construction work behind temporary lane closures will be suspended from 6 a.m. Dec. 24 until 6 a.m. Dec. 26. Construction will also be suspended from6 a.m. Dec. 31, through 6 a.m. Jan. 2. Some work may continue behind concrete barriers or for emergency repairs.

There will be slight variations for certain Thruway projects based on previous traffic volume.

According to AAA, a recordbreaking 104.8 million Americans will drive to their holiday destinations this year, which is an increase of 3.9 percent compared to last year.

New Yorkers are reminded that state and local law enforcement are participating in the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, which runs through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020. 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 49-year tradition of offering free coffee and hot tea to travelers at all 27 travel plazas along the Thruway from11 p.m. New Year’s Eve through 7 a.m. New Year’s morning to promote safe and alert driving

ravelers 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 slow down and safely move over if they are able to do so, when approaching law enforcement vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, tow trucks and construction or maintenance vehicles that are stopped along roads across the state.

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 realtime 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.

For real-time travel infor