Albany, NY - May 23, 2016 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended from 6 a.m. on Friday, May 27, to 6 a.m. on Tuesday, May 31, in order to accommodate travelers during the busy Memorial Day holiday weekend. Some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs.
“Memorial Day Weekend is one of the busiest travel times of the year and we are taking every step we can to minimize delays and disruptions on New York's roadways,” Governor Cuomo said. “These actions put drivers first and will help New Yorkers get where they need to go in less time and with less aggravation this holiday weekend.”
The construction suspension is in keeping with Governor Cuomo’s Drivers First program, which prioritizes the convenience of motorists to minimize traffic congestion and travel delays due to road and bridge work.
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Matthew J. Driscoll said, “Governor Cuomo’s action to limit construction activities during a major holiday weekend will allow people to observe Memorial Day without worrying about traffic delays. I encourage everyone to travel safely and to check 511NY before starting any trips.”
New York State Thruway Authority Interim Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer Maria Lehman, P.E. said, “As we gather this Memorial Day with friends and families to honor and reflect on our fallen service members, ensuring that drivers reach their destination safe and sound is the Thruway Authority’s main priority. Suspending major construction projects during such a heavily commuted weekend will not only ease traffic for motorists but help ensure a safe holiday for travelers all over the state.”
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.
AAA predicts that of the more than 38 million people traveling more than 50 miles from home this weekend, an estimated 34 million of them will be traveling by car. This Memorial Day weekend is expected to have the second highest travel volume on record, with a 2.1 percent increase in vehicle travel since the 2015 Memorial Day Weekend, due to low gas prices.
Travelers are reminded to check 511NY by calling 511 or by accessing www.511ny.org before departing. The free service allows users to check road conditions or link to air and transit information.
Mobile users can download the updated, 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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