Major WNY roadways, including Thruway, reopen after blizzard

Posted 27 December 2022 at 1:27 pm

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the full reopening of the New York State Thruway (I-90), I-290, I-190 (Niagara County section and Erie County section north of I-290), I-990, State Routes 400 and 219 this morning in the wake of one of the most consequential snowstorms in New York State history.

Department of Transportation and Thruway maintenance forces, in coordination with first responders and local governments, have worked feverishly over the last few days to clear the roads of snow and abandoned vehicles to ensure that these highways could reopen as quickly as possible. Work remains to be done on the remaining Erie County sections of I-190 and State Routes 5, 33, and 198, with expectations of reopening by tomorrow if not sooner.

All border crossings including the Peace Bridge, Rainbow Bridge and the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge have been reopened. Inbound traffic on the Peace Bridge will be directed to I-190 northbound and I-290 eastbound to access the New York State Thruway.

Inbound traffic from the Rainbow Bridge and Lewiston-Queenston Bridge can take I-190 southbound and I-290 eastbound to access the Thruway.

“With today’s reopening of major highways across Western New York, we are finally turning the corner on this once-in-a-generation storm,” Governor Hochul said. “That doesn’t mean we can let our guards down as it will take many more days for the region to dig out. But this is still good news and I urge motorists to drive carefully and cautiously, follow the rules of the road and be safe behind the wheel.”