Update: Thruway Authority Announces I-84 Reopened Westbound

ALBANY, NY (02/26/2010)(readMedia)-- The New York State Thruway Authority has announced that I-84 has been reopened westbound between Exit 21 (New Salem, Brewster, US Route 6, US Route 202, NY Route 121) and Exit 6 (Montgomery, Newburgh, NY Route 17K). At this time, all lanes in both directions are open along I-84.

Exit 21 along I-84 is at milepost 71; Exit 6 along I-84 is at milepost 34. The New York State Thruway Authority maintains I-84 under contract with the New York State Department of Transportation.

Heavy snow, congestion from stopped vehicles and fallen trees contributed to the decision early February 26 to close this portion of I-84 in both directions. While all lanes, in both directions are open, motorists should plan for residual delays and congestion.

In the event of an emergency, breakdown or minor accident, motorists are advised not to stop within or near travel lanes. In an event of an emergency, motorists are advised to call either 1-800-842-2233 or 911 to report the situation. Travelers should never walk along the roadway.

During inclement weather, motorists will be advised through electronic Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) along the roadway and the Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) stations. The HAR stations broadcast traffic advisories, road conditions, weather reports and safety tips to travelers 24 hours a day. Motorists can tune their vehicle radios to the following frequencies: New York City area and Tappan Zee Bridge Corridor – 530 AM; Newburgh, Kingston, Albany, Rochester and Buffalo areas – 1610 AM; the Utica area – 540 AM; Syracuse, Lafayette area and Geneva/Waterloo area – 1620 AM; and in the Ripley area – 98.7 FM.

Motorists may also receive up-to-date road condition information by calling toll-free 1-800-THRUWAY (1-800-847-8929) or logging onto www.nysthruway.gov. The Thruway's TDD/TTY number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-253-6244. Road conditions for highways across New York State, including the Thruway, can be found at www.511ny.org/.

Motorists can also find the latest forecasts by the National Weather Service for regions along the Thruway by logging onto the Thruway's website at www.nysthruway.gov/weather/.

Additionally, the Authority offers a free email service called TRANSalert to its customers to inform them of major unscheduled incidents that may affect their travel on the Thruway. For the most up-to-date information about unscheduled incidents affecting travel on the Thruway, motorists are encouraged to sign up for the TRANSalert service at the Authority's website at www.nysthruway.gov/tas/. Motorists are encouraged to check the alerts before they embark on their trip.

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