No Lane Closures Over the 4th in NY: Cuomo

Temporary lane closures associated with road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will not be allowed to help travelers during the busy Independence Day holiday weekend.

Some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs, but for the most part, lanes will be open from 6 a.m. on Friday, July 3, to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 5.

“This weekend is one of the busiest travel times of the year and by temporarily suspending non-essential construction on state roads, we’re putting drivers first and making it easy for them to get where they need to go more quickly and with less complications,” Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said, making the announcement. “I encourage all motorists to use caution and observe the rules of the road this Fourth of July weekend.”

AAA predicts that more than 41.9 million people will travel more than 50 miles from home this weekend, up slightly from last year. This Independence Day weekend is expected to have the highest travel volume since 2007.

Traveling? Check road conditions through 511NY by calling 511 or going to www.511ny.org.

This has become a standard pre-holiday move by the DOT under Cuomo’s Drivers First program, which prioritizes the convenience of motorists by working to minimize traffic congestion and travel delays due to road and bridge work.

“As motorists take to the roads this 4th of July holiday weekend, we are joining our colleagues at the New York State Department of Transportation in suspending construction along the Thruway to ensure travelers have a safe and enjoyable commute as they visit family and friends or one of our state’s great destinations,” New York State Thruway Authority Executive Director Robert Megna said.

However, I-84 in Orange County is an exception.

Significant traffic delays on Interstate 84 between Exit 2 (Mountain Road) and the New York/Pennsylvania state line may occur throughout the holiday weekend.

As a result of ongoing bridge rehabilitation on Interstate 84 over the Delaware and Neversink Rivers in Orange County, New York, and Pike County, Pennsylvania, I-84 is reduced to a single lane in both directions, between Exit 2 in the Town of Deerpark (NY) and Exit 53 in Pennsylvania.

Travelers are encouraged to seek alternate routes.