Talking Turkey About Thruway Thanksgiving Travel

ALBANY, NY (11/22/2010)(readMedia)-- Thanksgiving is about family gatherings and festivities. The long Thanksgiving weekend also involves increased traffic as millions of Americans are about to hit the road. The New York State Thruway Authority has again taken steps to prepare for the heavy traffic over the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday period (Wednesday, November 24 through Sunday, November 28).

"Over the Thanksgiving weekend, motorists will be sharing the Thruway with many travelers," said Thruway Executive Director Michael R. Fleischer. "Prepare for your trip in advance by mapping out your plans. While you're on the Thruway, drive with caution and stay alert so you may arrive at your destination safely."

The Wednesday before and the Sunday following Thanksgiving are typically two of the busiest days on the Thruway system. The heaviest travel periods will most likely occur from noon to 8 p.m. on those days. In 2009, some 3,185,833 million vehicles traveled more than 113,608,856 million miles on the Thruway over the Thanksgiving holiday period.

The heaviest traffic may be found at the Woodbury 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 Massachusetts Turnpike; at Albany Interchanges 23 and 24; at Rochester-Victor Interchange 45; and at the Lackawanna and Williamsville Toll Barriers near Buffalo.

"Being patient and courteous to your fellow motorist is just one of the things we emphasize," said Troop T Major Robert C. Meyers. "Aggressive drivers often engage in high-risk behaviors, such as not using their seat belt, drinking and driving, and speeding. To help keep the Thruway safe, Troop T will be out in full force enforcing traffic laws. Using hands-free cell phones, wearing seat belts, and remembering to take frequent safety breaks will ensure a safe trip this holiday weekend."

Motorists are encouraged to use the various services offered at the Thruway's 27 travel plazas during their travels. "The Thruway Travel Plazas are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering motorists a safe place to take needed breaks, and an opportunity to replenish themselves with refreshments and refuel their vehicles," said Fleischer.

Some ongoing construction projects along the Thruway will not impact motorists, but work on other projects that would impact traffic will be suspended in the following divisions:

• Buffalo Division (Milepost 350.6 – 496.0) Construction will be halted starting at 12 noon Wednesday, November 24 through 11 p.m. Sunday, November 28, 2010.

• Syracuse Division (Milepost 197.9 – 350.6) Construction will be halted starting at 3 p.m., Tuesday, November 23 through 7 p.m. Monday, November 29.

• Albany Division (Milepost 76.5 – 197.9) Construction will be halted starting at 6 a.m. Wednesday, November 24 through noon Monday, November 29.

• New York Division (Milepost 0.0 – 76.5) Construction will be halted starting at 6 a.m. Wednesday, November 24 through 10 a.m. Monday, November 29.

Motorists will be advised of incidents which effect traffic and informed of major delays through electronic Variable Message Signs along the roadway, TRANSalerts, and the Thruway's Highway Advisory Radio. The HAR stations broadcast traffic advisories, road conditions, weather reports and safety tips to travelers 24 hours a day.

TRANSalerts are free notices sent to subscribers automatically via e-mail or text messaging, informing them of major unscheduled incidents that may affect their travel on the Thruway. Since the system's inception in August 2006, more than 7,304 subscribers have signed up to receive TRANSalert notifications. Motorists may subscribe to the TRANSalert service at the Authority's website at www.thruway.ny.gov/tas/ .

Motorists can listen to the traffic information by tuning their vehicle radios to the following frequencies: New York City and Tappan Zee Bridge Corridor – 530 AM;

Utica area – 540 AM; Newburgh, Kingston, Albany, Rochester and Buffalo areas – 1610 AM; Little Falls/Herkimer, Syracuse, Lafayette (I-81), Waterloo/Geneva – 1620 AM; Ripley – 98.7 FM. Up-to-date information on road conditions is also available by calling toll-free 1-800-THRUWAY (1-800-847-8929) or by visiting www.thruway.ny.gov . In addition, go to www.511ny.org for statewide traffic information.

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