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New York State Thruway Authority News, For More Information Call: Office of Public Affairs (518) 436-2983 (24 Hours), (518) 426-3995 (Fax)

For Immediate Release: November 20, 2007

Thruway Authority Reminds Motorists to Prepare for Heavy Thanksgiving Holiday Traffic
Motorists Encouraged to Sign Up for Free Email Alerts Prior to Traveling

The New York State Thruway Authority has proactively taken steps to help manage heavy traffic during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday period (Wednesday, November 21 through Sunday, November 25). Due to the anticipated traffic volume increase, the Authority also advises motorists to leave extra time for travel.

“Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends, which means there will be many travelers on the Thruway.  Motorists are reminded to drive with caution to protect their passengers and other travelers on the roadway,” said Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael Fleischer. “Although the Thruway will temporarily cease constructions activities, travelers are advised to plan ahead, wear their seat belts and drive safely so that all travelers can reach their destinations without incident.”

The Wednesday before and the Sunday following Thanksgiving are typically two of the busiest days on the System. The heaviest travel periods will most likely occur from noon to 8 p.m. on those days. In 2006, more than 4 million vehicles traveled more than 137 million miles on the Thruway throughout the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

In an effort to help alleviate the extra traffic during this holiday period, the Thruway will be fully staffed and State Police Troop T will be out in full force to enforce traffic laws and aid motorists in need.  Also, to keep traffic moving smoothly, E-ZPass customers are reminded that E-ZPass can be used in any open toll lane.

The heaviest traffic is likely to be found at the Woodbury, New Rochelle and Tappan Zee Bridge Toll Barriers near New York City; at Interchange 17 (Newburgh, I-84, Route 17K, Stewart Airport) and Interchange 16 (Harriman, Route 17, US 6); at the Canaan Toll Barrier on the Berkshire Section, which connects the Thruway to the Massachusetts Turnpike; at Albany Interchanges 23 & 24; at Interchange 45 (Rochester, Victor, I-490) and at the Lackawanna and Williamsville Toll Barriers near Buffalo; Interchanges 41 (Waterloo, Clyde, Route 414) and 42 (Geneva, Lyons, Route 14).

 “Drowsy driving is also a common problem during the holiday season and can be equally as dangerous as getting behind the wheel after having too much to drink,” said Fleischer. “Travelers who are feeling tired are encouraged take several breaks and remain alert during their trip.  The Thruway’s 27 Travel Plazas are open 24-hours a day and offer motorists clean, safe and warm places to take a break, and get fuel and food.”

Regardless of their destination this holiday, motorists are reminded to follow these important safety tips:

  • Ensure all vehicle fluids are full.
  • Check the vehicle’s battery, wipers, defrosters and lights for proper operation.
  • Make certain that tires are properly inflated, including the spare in the trunk.
  • In colder weather, maintain at least a half tank of gas.
  • Remember that posted speed limits are for ideal travel conditions; slow down and exercise caution when traveling in inclement weather.

While there are a few ongoing construction projects along the Thruway, work will be stopped in the following Divisions:

  • Buffalo Division (Milepost 350.6 - 496.0) construction will be halted starting Wednesday, November 21 at noon and will resume on Sunday, November 25 at 10 p.m.
  • Syracuse Division (Milepost 197.9 – 350.6) construction will be halted from Tuesday, November 20 at 3 p.m. and will resume Monday, November 26 at 7:00 p.m.
  • Albany Division (Milepost 76.5 – 197.9) construction will be halted starting on Wednesday, November 21 at 7:00 a.m. and will resume on Monday, November 26 at 10 a.m.
  • New York Division (Milepost 0.0 – 76.5) construction will be halted starting Wednesday, November 21 at 6 a.m. and will resume on Monday, November 26 at 10 a.m.

“Thanksgiving holiday season tends to be one of the busiest travel seasons of the year.  State Police Troop T will be out in full force and, as always, encourages motorists to stay alert and aware of their surroundings,” said Troop T Major George Beach II. "Throughout the holiday weekend, Troop T will be participating in the fall ‘Buckle Up New York’ campaign to help ensure that motorists are obeying all traffic and safety laws.”

For the latest information on the Thruway, motorists can obtain current road conditions along the Thruway by calling, toll-free, 24 hours a day, 1-800-THRUWAY (1-800-847-8929) and are encouraged to sign up for TRANSalerts via the Authority's website www.nysthruway.gov.

Additionally, Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) stations broadcast traffic, accident and other Thruway specific information on the following frequencies: 530 AM in the Tappan Zee Bridge Corridor; 1610 AM in the Newburgh, Albany and Buffalo areas; 540 AM in the Utica area; 98.7 FM in the Ripley Region; and 1620 AM in the Syracuse area.

The Authority also urges motorists to be watchful for deer during this time of the year, as it is one of the peak times of year for vehicle-deer accidents.

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NOTE TO MEDIA: For an audio sound byte on this release, please call 1-866-239-2845 and press two.

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