Hochul announces suspension of construction-related lane closures for Labor Day

Construction-related lane closures limited to ease travel during holiday weekend

√ Says construction suspension protects safety of roadside workers, keeps them off the road during weekend of increased traffic

√ Motorists urged to slow down and move over for roadside emergency & maintenance vehicles

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York state highways will be suspended from 6 a.m. Friday, Sept. 2, to 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, to ease travel throughout the Labor Day holiday weekend.

"Labor Day weekend marks the end of the summer season, and many New Yorkers will be traveling across the state," Hochul said. "We are suspending construction on state roads to ensure the safety of our motorists and help ensure everyone reaches their destination safely. We all need to do our part and be alert when driving, obey the speed limit, and move over for emergency service vehicles as needed."

Hochul’s team said, “Suspension of roadside construction during a weekend of increased traffic also helps protect the safety of highway workers, including those in organized labor, during a holiday that honors the ideals of the labor movement.

“Motorists should be aware that some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs.

“The construction suspension aligns with New York State's ‘Drivers First Initiative,’ which prioritizes the convenience of motorists to minimize traffic congestion and travel delays due to road and bridge work.

“Motorists should follow the state's Move Over Law, which requires motorists to slow down and safely move over for law enforcement vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, tow trucks and construction or maintenance vehicles that are stopped along roads across the state.

“Text stops, including park-and-ride facilities, rest stops, service areas and parking areas along state highways support the state's effort to reduce distracted driving. All text stops will remain open, providing locations where drivers can safely and conveniently use their phones and other mobile devices for calling, texting, navigating and accessing mobile apps. Texting while driving is especially dangerous, as it requires motorists to take their eyes off the road, hands off the wheel and mind off driving.”

Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "Members of organized labor helped build our transportation network and play an instrumental role in keeping it safe and operating for all New Yorkers, so it is all together fitting that we suspend construction-related lane closures during the Labor Day weekend. I commend Gov. Hochul's decision, which will help keep our workers safe, and ease travel throughout the busy holiday; and I urge all motorists to follow all the rules of the road, because safety depends on all of us. It's important to buckle up, not be on the phone when driving, and always be ready to move over for emergency vehicles."

New York State Thruway Authority Executive Director Matthew J. Driscoll said, "Suspending construction this holiday weekend will help minimize traffic congestion and delays; however, motorists should remain alert and remember to slow down and move over when you see emergency and maintenance vehicles. Making safety a priority can save lives."

Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and GTSC Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder said, "During this heavy travel weekend, I applaud Gov. Hochul's decision to suspend road and bridge construction, and remind motorists to drive responsibly. Avoid reckless driving behaviors that put you and all those sharing the road in danger and remember to always buckle up. Enjoy the end of summer with your family and friends, but always have a plan to get home safely."

New York State Police Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen said, "Labor Day weekend reflects the hard work and achievements of American workers, and with that comes increased travel and celebration throughout New York state. While road construction will be suspended, motorists should still drive with caution through work zones, obey posted speed limits and be mindful of emergency and maintenance vehicles. If plans include alcohol, arrange for a safe ride home. Together, we can all safely enjoy the last days of summer."

The Thruway Authority reminds motorists that “10 service areas are closed and under construction as part of the $450 million private investment and modernization project. Fuel services remain open at all locations. To ensure continuity of services to thruway customers during construction, no two consecutive service areas in the same direction of travel will be closed for renovations at the same time. Motorists can view the service areas and plan their stops on the Thruway Authority's website and on the free mobile app.”

The Thruway Authority is on Twitter @NYSThruway, and on Facebook at New York State Thruway Authority.

Travelers can check NYSDOT's 511NY before traveling by calling 5-1-1, visiting the 511 website, or downloading the free 511NY mobile app on iTunes or Google Play. The free service allows users to check road conditions, view 2,219 traffic cameras, and link to air and transit information. The app features “Drive mode,” which provides audible alerts along a chosen route while a user is driving, warning them about incidents and construction.

New York State DOT is on Twitter @NYSDOT, and on Facebook at New York State Department of Transportation.

DMV and GTSC remind motorists that “New York State Police and local law enforcement are increasing patrols to target impaired driving through Sept. 5 as part of the statewide STOP-DWI ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign. The campaign is designed to reduce alcohol and other drug-related traffic crashes.”

The DMV urges drivers to use the “Have a Plan” app to help find a safe way home from a celebration where they may be drinking. The free app from the GTSC and the NYS STOP-DWI Foundation allows users to designate a driver, call a cab or ride share, and to review the consequences of impaired driving. Users can even use the app to report a drunk or drugged driver. The app is available for Apple, Android and Windows smart phones.

DMV is on Twitter @NYSDMV, and on Facebook at New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.