State Road Construction To Be Halted During Peak Holiday Travel

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Getting around the region could be a little easier during the holidays — fingers crossed re the weather — because state road construction will be suspended during the peak travel times, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Thursday. The suspensions will be over the next two weekends to provide easier travel for residents and visitors.

“With the busy travel season approaching, New York is once again taking proactive steps to ease traffic conditions across the state by suspending all unnecessary construction,” Cuomo said.

“As we open up lanes and stop road work for the holidays, I encourage drivers to be alert, abide by the rules of the road and travel safely to ensure everyone enjoys the holidays with loved ones,” he said.

Cuomo also urged motorists to abide by the state’s Move Over Law and utilize one of 64 text stops located across the state to text, make phone calls or do other non-driving activities.

All work behind temporary lane closures associated with road and bridge construction projects will cease from 6 a.m. Friday, Dec. 22 until 6 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 26.

Some construction work behind permanent barriers or for emergency repairs may be done.

Road construction will also be suspended from 6 a.m. Friday, Dec. 29 through 6 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018.

The state Thruway Authority will also continue its 47-year tradition of offering free coffee and hot tea to travelers at all 27 travel plaza along the Thruway from 11 p.m. New Year’s Eve through 7 a.m. New Year’s morning to promote safe and alert driving.

There may be slight variations for certain New York State Thruway projects based on previous traffic volume. A detailed schedule of Thruway lane closures throughout the holiday weekend is available here.

New York's "Move Over" law requires drivers to use due care, slow down and safely move over when they see flashing lights on the side of the road. This protects emergency responders, tow truck operators, police and firefighters as they work to help motorists along New York's roadways.

Photo credit: NYSTA traffic cam.