Governor Andrew M. Cuomo right this moment introduced that short-term lane closures for highway and bridge building initiatives on New York State highways will probably be suspended from 6 a.m. on Friday, July 2 to six a.m. on Tuesday, July 6, to ease journey all through the July 4th vacation weekend.
Motorists ought to be conscious that some work might proceed behind everlasting concrete obstacles or for emergency repairs. The development suspension aligns with Governor Cuomo’s Drivers First initiative, which prioritizes the comfort of motorists to attenuate visitors congestion and journey delays attributable to highway and bridge work.
“As we emerge from the pandemic, New Yorkers are desperate to rejoice Independence Day and journey to their vacation vacation spot, however even in our new regular, fundamental highway security practices and legal guidelines nonetheless apply,” Governor Cuomo mentioned. “I urge all motorists to maneuver over for emergency or upkeep autos on the roads, stay alert and drive sober in order that we are able to all be protected and joyful as we rejoice.”
Governor Cuomo is urging motorists to observe the state’s Transfer Over Regulation, which requires motorists to decelerate and safely transfer over for regulation enforcement autos, hearth vans, ambulances, tow vans and building or upkeep autos which are stopped alongside roads throughout the state.
Textual content stops, together with park-and-ride services, relaxation stops, service areas and parking areas alongside state highways assist the state’s efforts to cut back distracted driving. All textual content stops will stay open, offering a location the place drivers can safely and conveniently use their telephones and different cellular gadgets for calling, texting, navigating and accessing cellular apps. Texting whereas driving is very harmful, because it requires motorists to take their eyes off the highway, fingers off the wheel and thoughts off driving.
All welcome facilities, relaxation areas and textual content stops inside New York State stay open and relaxation rooms and merchandising providers proceed to be accessible. To boost public security and stop unfold of COVID-19, enhanced cleansing measures at relaxation stops and welcome facilities have been carried out.
New York State Thruway Authority Govt Director Matthew J. Driscoll mentioned, “This vacation weekend, we’re quickly suspending building to attenuate delays and assist motorists get to their vacation locations safely and effectively. Nevertheless, emergency and roadside staff will nonetheless be on the highway, so it is essential motorists stay alert, decelerate, and transfer over after they see flashing lights. We would like each New Yorker to have a protected and gratifying vacation weekend.”
State Division of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez mentioned, “The New York State Division of Transportation is proud to be part of Governor Cuomo’s Drivers First initiative, which can assist New Yorkers get to their vacation locations safely and with a minimal of delays. We want all New Yorkers a protected and joyful Independence Day and please bear in mind to drive cautiously, put on your seat belt, put down your cellphone and listen, particularly when driving in a piece zone. Our highways staff are a part of the DOT household – please deal with them with respect.”
DMV Commissioner and GTSC Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder mentioned, “I do know everybody is worked up to have the ability to get again out on the highway, and we wish all vacationers to take action safely. Please buckle up, obey the velocity restrict, and keep sober. Suspending highway work helps the vacation journey go extra easily, however please proceed to decelerate and transfer over to present freeway staff and emergency crews the area they should do their jobs safely. Wherever your vacation spot, get pleasure from this vacation weekend.”
State Police Performing Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen mentioned, “As motorists get set to journey for the 4th of July vacation, Troopers will probably be able to do their half to maintain our roadways protected for everybody. We urge all drivers to do their half by obeying posted velocity limits, placing away their good telephones, slowing down and transferring over after they see emergency or freeway autos by the facet of the highway. Please make security your high precedence when travelling this summer season.”
AAA predicts travel over the vacation weekend to almost absolutely get better to pre-pandemic ranges, making it the second-highest Independence Day journey quantity on document, the earlier being 2019. From July 1 via July 5, greater than 47 million persons are anticipated to journey 50 miles or extra from residence, a rise of practically 40 p.c in comparison with final yr.
The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to obtain its mobile app which is on the market to obtain without cost on iPhone and Android gadgets. The app offers motorists direct entry to real-time visitors and navigation help whereas on the go. Motorists may join TRANSalert e-mails, which offer the newest visitors situations alongside the Thruway here.
Vacationers can verify NYSDOT’s 511NY earlier than touring, by calling 5-1-1, visiting the 511 web site here, or downloading the free 511NY cellular app on iTunes or Google Play. The free service permits customers to verify highway situations, view 2219 visitors cameras and hyperlink to air and transit data. The app options Drive mode, which offers audible alerts alongside a selected route whereas a person is driving, warning them about incidents and building.
The Division of Motor Autos urges drivers to make use of the Have a Plan app to assist discover a protected method residence from a celebration the place they might be consuming. The free app from the Governor’s Site visitors Security Committee and the NYS STOP-DWI Basis permits customers to designate a driver, name a cab or experience share, and to overview the implications of impaired driving. Customers may even use the app to report a drunk or drugged driver. The app is on the market for Apple, Android, and Home windows good telephones.
Observe New York State DOT on Twitter: @NYSDOT and on Fb at New York State Department of Transportation.
Observe the Thruway Authority on Twitter: @NYSThruway and on Fb at New York State Thruway Authority or obtain the Thruway’s free mobile app.
