Thruway Authority Reminds Motorists to Drive Safely and Plan Ahead

ALBANY, NY (08/30/2010)(readMedia)-- The New York State Thruway Authority and State Police Troop T remind motorists of the importance to drive with increased care and responsibility, buckle up, use only hands-free cell phones, and be alert to other vehicles during the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend.

"Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, as motorists head out to enjoy the last days of summer" said Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael R. Fleischer. "The Thruway will be seeking to reduce congestion this holiday weekend by removing lane restrictions wherever possible."

Last year, more than 2.7 million vehicles traveled more than 95 million miles on the Thruway between Friday, September 4, and Monday, September 7.

"Wearing seat belts, using only hands-free cell phones, allowing plenty of time to reach one's destination, and remembering to take frequent safety breaks will help ensure a safe trip this holiday weekend," said Troop T Major Robert C. Meyers. "The last holiday weekend of the summer, Labor Day, always means busy roads. Motorists are encouraged to stay alert and be keenly aware of their surroundings."

This year, the Authority will take a number of steps to help facilitate traffic movement and keep motorists informed along the Thruway's 2,818 lane miles of highway and more than 800 bridges, including:

Providing Traveler Information: Should major delays occur, motorists will be advised through electronic Variable Message Signs (VMS) along the roadway, TRANSalerts, and the Thruway's Highway Advisory Radio (HAR). 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 7,147 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 HAR frequencies: New York City and Tappan Zee Bridge Corridor – 530 AM; Utica area – 540AM; Newburgh, Kingston, Albany, Rochester and Buffalo areas – 1610 AM; Little Falls/Herkimer, Syracuse, Lafayette (I-81), Waterloo/Geneva – 1620AM; Ripley – 98.7FM. 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.

Monitoring Traffic Incidents: In addition to State Police Troop T and maintenance patrols, the Authority will increase its monitoring of traffic conditions for accidents and incidents using closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras. By using the Authority's interactive mapping interface, customers can also check on current, up-to-minute traffic incidents and access cameras along various sections of the Thruway system. There are currently 92 traffic cameras operating, and customers can access those cameras by visiting the Authority's website at www.thruway.ny.gov/webcams/. Active monitoring by the Authority facilitates quicker incident detection and response, thereby minimizing delays.

Holiday traffic delays are most likely to occur at the Lackawanna and Williamsville Toll Barriers near Buffalo; at Albany Interchanges 23 and 24; at the Canaan Toll Barrier and Interchange B1 on the Berkshire section of I-90, which connects the Thruway to the Massachusetts Turnpike; at Newburgh Interchange 17; at Harriman Interchange 16, and at the Woodbury, New Rochelle and Tappan Zee Bridge toll barriers near the New York City region.

The busiest section of the Thruway will most likely be the Tappan Zee Bridge Corridor (Rockland and Westchester counties), particularly northbound at the beginning of the holiday weekend, and southbound at the close.

Motorists and their families should know that most Travel Plazas will be providing all services for the Labor Day weekend. Only the Oneida and Chittenango Plazas' fuel services are closed due to construction projects, but their restaurants and rest rooms remain open. For a complete listing of Travel Plazas along the Thruway, and services and amenities offered to motorists, please visit the Authority's website at www.thruway.ny.gov/travelplazas/index.html .

Over the holiday weekend, State Police Troop T, which exclusively patrols the Thruway System, will be out in full force aiding motorists and enforcing traffic laws. The Thruway Authority and State Police remind all travelers to buckle up and properly secure children under age four in an approved child safety seat.

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