The New York State Thruway Authority has announced that winter weather conditions continue to cause delays for motorists traveling throughout New York State.
Additionally, the Authority has been notified by Pennsylvania authorities that I-84 in Pennsylvania is currently closed to commerical traffic. The Authority has posted information on it's winter weather advisory page at http://www.nysthruway.gov/wtas/netdata/.
Motorists that must travel are encouraged to proceed with caution, plan extra time for travel and remain alert and aware in the inclement weather.
To assist with the Authority's Winter Maintenance Program, the Authority has more than 800 pieces of motorized equipment consisting of dump trucks, spreaders, front loaders, stake trucks and stake dump trucks. Additionally, the Authority has approximately 600 staff members dedicated to winter maintenance and safety efforts.
The Authority's 23 maintenance sections responded to an average of 38 winter storm events over the 2008/2009 winter season, keeping the Thruway, ramps and bridges and parking lots clear for motorists.
As always, the Thruway Authority offers these simple winter driving tips:
- Always buckle your seat belt and require your passengers to do the same; it's the law.
- Winterize your vehicle with proper anti-freeze and windshield washer fluid levels.
- Keep a windshield brush, ice scraper, gloves, a blanket and a flashlight readily available in your vehicle.
- Make sure your vehicle is properly tuned and that your exhaust system is in proper working order.
- Plan your trips carefully and listen to the local weather reports or the National Weather Service for the predicted weather conditions along your travel route.
- Drive safely; be alert and allow more distance between your vehicle and others. Remember, during the winter, stopping distances become longer.
- Keep in mind that posted speed limits are for ideal driving conditions. During inclement weather, it is necessary to slow down.
- Motorists should always maintain a safe following distance behind snowplows; do not tailgate.
In the event of an emergency, breakdown or minor accident, motorists are advised not to stop within or near travel lanes. If the vehicle can be driven, motorists should travel to the nearest exit or safe location. If the vehicle is inoperable, motorists should activate four-way flashers and stay inside the vehicle until authorized personnel arrive to provide assistance. 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. Information is updated as conditions change. 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/.
The Authority remains committed to providing high levels of safety and service throughout the winter season and year round.
