Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced Tuesday that non-emergency related road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended from 6 a.m. on Friday, May 25, to 6 a.m. on Tuesday, May 29, to accommodate increased travel throughout Memorial Day weekend.
Cuomo is also urging motorists to abide by New York’s Move Over Law and to utilize the 64 text stops located statewide as needed for texting, making phone calls, and other non-driving tasks.
“As New Yorkers set out to enjoy Memorial Day weekend, we will be suspending all nonessential state roadway construction projects so travelers can get to their destinations as quickly and safely as possible,” Governor Cuomo said. “As always, I encourage drivers to remember to move over for roadside emergency and maintenance vehicles and to utilize text stops to avoid distracted driving, especially during this busy travel weekend.”
Drivers should keep in mind that in some cases, road work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs. A detailed schedule of Thruway lane closures throughout the holiday weekend is available here.
New York’s Move Over Law requires motorists to drive with care, slow down, and safely move over when approaching law enforcement vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, tow trucks, and construction or maintenance vehicles that are stopped along roads across the state. The law was enacted in 2010 to protect first responders and expanded in 2011 to include tow operators and those working along the roadway. It has since been expanded to include a wider range of emergency and hazard vehicles.
Cuomo is also urging motorists to abide by New York’s Move Over Law and to utilize the 64 text stops located statewide as needed for texting, making phone calls, and other non-driving tasks.
“As New Yorkers set out to enjoy Memorial Day weekend, we will be suspending all nonessential state roadway construction projects so travelers can get to their destinations as quickly and safely as possible,” Governor Cuomo said. “As always, I encourage drivers to remember to move over for roadside emergency and maintenance vehicles and to utilize text stops to avoid distracted driving, especially during this busy travel weekend.”
Drivers should keep in mind that in some cases, road work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs. A detailed schedule of Thruway lane closures throughout the holiday weekend is available here.
New York’s Move Over Law requires motorists to drive with care, slow down, and safely move over when approaching law enforcement vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, tow trucks, and construction or maintenance vehicles that are stopped along roads across the state. The law was enacted in 2010 to protect first responders and expanded in 2011 to include tow operators and those working along the roadway. It has since been expanded to include a wider range of emergency and hazard vehicles.
Text stops, including park-and-ride facilities, rest stops, and parking areas along state highways and the New York State Thruway support the state’s efforts to reduce distracted driving. All text stops will remain open, providing a location where drivers can safely and conveniently use their phones and other mobile devices for calling, texting, navigating, and accessing mobile apps. Texting while driving is especially dangerous, as it requires motorists to take their eyes off the road, hands off the wheel and mind off driving.