Albany, NY - November 23, 2015 - Governor Cuomo announced that temporary lane closures associated with road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will not be permitted from 6 a.m. on Wednesday, November 25, to 6 a.m. on Monday, November 30, in order to accommodate motorists during the busy Thanksgiving holiday travel week. Some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs.

“The Thanksgiving holiday is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, so starting Wednesday, the state will temporarily suspend major construction projects to reduce traffic congestion and delays,” Governor Cuomo said. “This action puts drivers first by getting them where they need to go faster and with less aggravation this holiday weekend.”

Ensuring that more lanes remain open 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.

AAA predicts that nearly 47 million people will travel more than 50 miles from home from Wednesday through Sunday. That number is up slightly from last year, spurred in part by lower gas prices this season.

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Matthew J. Driscoll said: “The people of New York State need to be able to visit with their families and friends this holiday season without worrying about travel delays from road construction. We encourage all travelers to check 511NY before traveling and join with Governor Cuomo is wishing all New Yorkers a Happy Thanksgiving.”

New York State Thruway Authority Executive Director Robert L. Megna said: “The Thruway Authority recognizes that Thanksgiving weekend is among the busiest for travelers every year and by participating in Governor Cuomo’s Driver’s First initiative, the Thruway will be one of the quickest and most efficient ways for motorists to reach their loved ones.”

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 Wednesday preceding and the Sunday following Thanksgiving are typically two of the busiest days on the Thruway system, with the heaviest travel periods between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. on those days. The Thruway is prepared to handle the additional traffic volume. Thruway travelers are encouraged to sign-up for TRANSalerts to receive real-time traffic alerts or follow on Twitter.

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.

MTA
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Bridges and Tunnels will suspend all lane closures related to routine maintenance and temporary construction work between Wednesday, Nov. 25 and the early morning of Monday, Nov. 30. Any extraordinary weather-critical work that must be accomplished over the holiday weekend will only occur during overnight hours when traffic is at its lightest.

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