News from New York State Thruway Authority

For more information contact: Office of Public Affairs, 518-436-2983

Thruway Authority Adds Regional Advisory Messages to Interactive Mapping Interface Available on Website

Text & Audio Versions of Advisory Messages Now Available

ALBANY, NY (07/21/2008; 1207)(readMedia)-- The New York State Thruway Authority today announced that as part of its effort to give motorists more information sooner, Regional Advisory Messages, similar to those broadcast on the Authority's Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) stations, have been added to the online interactive mapping interface so customers can access messages before they travel.

"As part of its commitment to providing customers with the most current and accurate traveler information available, the Authority is pleased to offer this new planning tool, which will bring information similar to HAR messages to customers' home or offices," said Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael R. Fleischer.

"This added feature will go a long way in further assisting travelers, enabling them to select current, up-to-the-minute traffic conditions, as well as construction and weather information, at www.nysthruway.gov/ram/ on the Authority's website. Customers can either hear the regional messages in an audio format or they can view the messages in a text format," added Fleischer.

Since its inception, the goal of the mapping interface has been to make travel along the Thruway more convenient, efficient and enjoyable by allowing customers to click on specific icons so that they can plan around scheduled construction and check for any major incidents that may be affecting traffic along the entire Thruway before leaving for a trip.

In addition to the Regional Advisory Messages, customers can also click on and access approximately 60 traffic cameras across the Thruway System. Customers can access these cameras by logging on to the Authority's website at www.nysthruway.gov/webcams/.

The interactive mapping interface also displays clickable icons for accident and traffic conditions, road and lane closures, roadwork, interchanges and toll barriers, travel plazas and parking/rest areas.

Through the coordinated TRANSystem, scheduled construction information will continue to be available via the 1-800-THRUWAY information line, HAR, and Dynamic Message Signs (DMS). Current, up-to-date traffic and traveler information including unscheduled construction and emergency information will be provided via the Authority's homepage, TRANSalerts, HAR and DMS.

The Authority offers a free email service called TRANSalert to its customers via email or text messaging to inform them of major unscheduled incidents that may affect their travel on the Thruway. To sign up for the TRANSalert service, customers can visit the Authority's website at www.nysthruway.gov/tas/.

As with any new service, the Authority is seeking comments and feedback from customers regarding its usefulness, accuracy and whether or not the information is helpful when planning a trip. Customers are asked to contact the Authority's Office of Public Affairs via email at customer_service@thruway.state.ny.us.

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