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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 24, 2008

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 26 through Sunday, November 30). Due to the anticipated traffic volume increase, the Authority also advises motorists to leave extra time for travel.

“As family and friends make plans on getting together to celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday, motorists are reminded to be prepared for the many travelers sharing the Thruway during this time.” said Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael Fleischer. “We urge everyone to plan ahead, drive with caution, and as always, wear your seatbelts.”

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 2007, approximately 3 million vehicles traveled more than 113 million miles on the Thruway throughout the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

To help alleviate the extra traffic during this holiday period, the Thruway will be fully staffed. In addition, State Police Troop T will be out in full force to enforce traffic laws and aid motorists in need.

“Drowsy driving can be a by product of holiday travel and is just as dangerous as getting behind the wheel after having too much to drink.  Motorists are encouraged to take advantage of the various services offered at the Thruway’s 27 Travel Plazas during their travels.” said Fleischer. “ The Thruway Travel Plazas are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week and offer motorists a safe place to take needed breaks, and an opportunity to replenish themselves with refreshments.”

The heaviest traffic is likely to be found at the Woodbury, New Rochelle and Tappan Zee Bridge Toll Barriers near New York City; at Newburgh Interchange 17 and Harriman Interchange 16; at the Canaan Toll Barrier on the Berkshire Section, which connects the Thruway to the Massachusetts Turnpike; at Albany Interchanges 23 & 24; at Rochester-Victor Interchange 45 and at the Lackawanna and Williamsville Toll Barriers near Buffalo.

Additionally, motorists may experience delays due to increased traffic and delays near the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets area due to holiday shopping events located off the Thruway. Motorists are advised to plan ahead and may want to consider taking alternate routes.

In an effort to keep traffic moving smoothly, E-ZPass customers are reminded that E-ZPass can be used in any lane at Thruway toll barriers.

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 26 at noon and will resume on Sunday, November 30 at 11 p.m.
  • Syracuse Division (Milepost 197.9-350.6) construction will be halted starting Tuesday, November 25 at 3 p.m. to Monday, December 1 at 7 p.m.
  • Albany Division (Milepost 76.5 - 197.9) construction will be halted starting on Wednesday, November 26 at 6:00 a.m. and will resume on Monday, December 1 at 12:00 noon.
  • New York Division (Milepost 0.0 – 76.5) construction will be halted starting Wednesday, November 26 at 6 a.m. and will resume on Monday, December 1 at 10 a.m.

“Traditionally, Thanksgiving holiday travel tends to be busy, so we encourage motorists to stay alert and to be conscious of their surroundings, and take frequent rest breaks,” said Troop T Major Robert C. Meyers. “Throughout the holiday weekend, State Police Troop T will be out in full force ensuring that motorists are obeying all traffic and safety laws.

Additionally, as announced by the Authority in a press release issued on November 12, 2008, the Authority reminds motorists that due to fuel plaza renovation projects that are currently underway at the Port Byron Travel Plaza, located on I-90 eastbound between Interchanges 41 (Waterloo) and 40 (Weedsport), at milepost 310; Plattekill Travel Plaza, located on I-87 northbound between Interchanges 17 (Newburgh I-84) and 18 (New Paltz), at milepost 65; and Modena Travel Plaza, located on I-87 southbound between Interchanges 18 (New Paltz) and 17 (Newburgh I-84), at milepost 66, no fuel will be available at these travel plazas during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Prior to the Port Byron, Plattekill and Modena Travel Plazas signs will be posted along the Thruway alerting motorists to plazas where fuel is available so they can stop for fuel before reaching the plaza under going renovations.  Please note that food and restroom services will remain available.

For additional information on the fuel renovation projects, please visit the following links on the Authority’s website:

http://www.nysthruway.gov/news/pressrel/2008/11/2008-11-13-port-byron.html

http://www.nysthruway.gov/news/pressrel/2008/09/2008-09-18-sunoco-ren.html

For a complete list of services normally offered to motorists at the Authority’s 27 Travel Plazas along the System, please visit the following link: http://www.nysthruway.gov/travelplazas/directory.html

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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The Authority offers a free email service called TRANSalert to its customers via email or text messaging to inform them of major unscheduled incidents that may affect their travel on the Thruway. To sign up for the TRANSalert service, customers can visit the Authority's website at www.nysthruway.gov/tas/.

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