NY suspends construction on state roads during Thanksgiving weekend

Posted 21 November 2016 at 11:48 am

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today 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, Nov. 23 to 6 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 28, in order to accommodate motorists during the busy Thanksgiving holiday travel week. Some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs.

“Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year and we are committed to doing everything in our power to ease congestion and inconvenience to drivers during this holiday weekend,” Cuomo said. “By putting drivers first and reducing lane closures and the traffic and delays that come with them, millions of travelers will be able to get where they need to go quicker and with less aggravation.”

Ensuring that more lanes remain open is in keeping with Cuomo’s “Drivers First” program, which prioritizes the convenience of motorists to minimize traffic congestion and travel delays due to road and bridge work.

During this busy travel weekend, motorists are reminded of New York’s critically important “Move Over” law, which requires drivers to use due care, slow down and safely move over when they see flashing lights on the side of the road.

AAA predicts that nearly 49 million people will travel more than 50 miles from home from Wednesday through Sunday, and more than 89 percent of those travelers will be driving. That number is up an estimated two percent over last year and is the highest number of expected Thanksgiving travelers since 2007.

Return to top