For Immediate Release: December 15, 2006

THRUWAY AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES ENHANCED TRAFFIC FEATURES IN SYRACUSE DIVISION
Overhead Dynamic Message Signs, Dedicated E-ZPass Available

The New York State Thruway Authority today announced that additional customer service improvements, including permanent overhead Dynamic Message Signs and a dedicated E-ZPass lane, have been implemented to enable customers to make more informed travel decisions and travel more efficiently in the Syracuse area.

“The Authority is committed to providing its customers with the most current and accurate traveler information available at key decision points along the highway,” said Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael R. Fleischer. “The strategic placement of two new overhead Dynamic Message Signs will enable motorists in the Syracuse area to make more informed travel decisions by having access to important traffic information and being able to opt for an alternate route.”

The westbound DMS is located between Interchange 34 (Canastota) and Interchange 34A (Syracuse/I-481) at milepost 271.0; the eastbound DMS is located between Interchange 40 (Weedsport, Auburn) and Interchange 39 (Syracuse/I-690) at milepost 300.0.

The installation of permanent DMS at these locations will allow the Authority to provide customers with traffic information at a location from which they can make informed travel decisions. The westbound DMS has been placed five miles east of Interchange 34A to allow travelers to exit the system at Interchange 34A and utilize I-481 in the event of an emergency or construction.  The eastbound DMS has been placed approximately 11 miles west of Interchange 39 to allow travelers to exit the system at Interchange 39 and utilize I-690 and Route 690 in the event of an emergency or construction.

These signs complement the Authority’s 43 permanent and 27 portable DMS that are currently available to communicate directly with travelers on the Thruway so that they can decide to either remain on the system or exit the system and take an alternate route, depending on conditions.

Additionally, a dedicated E-ZPass exit lane at Interchange 35 (Syracuse/Carrier Circle) has been added as part of the Authority’s E-ZPass enhancement plan.

“The Authority has been proactively implementing a number of E-ZPass initiatives aimed at providing a higher level of service to Thruway customers,” said Fleischer. “The addition of the dedicated E-ZPass lanes at Interchange 35 will provide customers with an E-ZPass lane around the clock.”

While the Authority continues to expand the availability of dedicated and higher speed E-ZPass lanes system wide, customers are reminded that E-ZPass can be used in any open toll lane.  In addition to receiving a 10 percent discount on passenger car tolls when using E-ZPass, customers can also sign up for a number of E-ZPass commuter discount plans at: www.nysthruway.gov/ezpass/discount.html.

The Authority now offers a free email service, TRANSalerts, to its customers via email or text messaging to inform them of major unscheduled incidents that may affect their travel on the Thruway.  For the latest traffic information on the Thruway, motorists are encouraged to sign up for TRANSalerts via the Authority’s website at www.nysthruway.gov. 

- 30 -

Return to Thruway Press Releases