For Immediate Release: July 31, 2009

Thruway Authority Announces Lane Shifts Between Interchanges 39 & 40 Related to 15-Mile Reconstruction Project
Motorists Advised to Drive with Caution While Traveling in Construction Zone

The New York State Thruway Authority today announced a five-mile segment of eastbound lanes that have been closed for reconstruction between Interchange 39 (State Fair/Route 690) and Interchange 40 (Weedsport) will reopen at approximately 10 p.m. on Monday, August 3, 2009, weather permitting.  This project is part of an overall $128 million 15-mile reconstruction project that is scheduled for completion in November 2011. 

The eastbound lanes, from milepost 299.4 to 294.2, have been closed since April, while being reconstructed with concrete pavement. During that time, eastbound traffic was shifted to the westbound lanes,

Additionally, pavement reconstruction work on a second five-mile eastbound segment, located between mileposts 304.3 and 299.4, is scheduled to begin on Friday, August 7 at 2 a.m., weather permitting. All eastbound traffic will again be shifted to the westbound lanes, separated from westbound traffic by concrete barrier. Two lanes in both directions will be open during peak travel periods. Work on this section of the roadway is expected to be completed by the end of October 2009.

The Authority is utilizing a variety of strategies to manage traffic flow during this construction; however, to avoid traffic delays, travelers and commercial traffic are strongly encouraged to travel during off-peak hours, when possible, and allow for extra travel time.

Motorists will be informed about the ongoing project and any delays that may result, via electronic Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) placed along the roadway and by Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) broadcasts on 1610 AM in the Rochester area, 1620 AM in the Syracuse, Waterloo/Geneva areas, and 540 AM in the Utica area. The Authority will also issue TRANSalerts to subscribers.  Further, the Authority will send project updates, complete with pertinent lane closure information to the media. Thruway motorists may also receive the latest project lane closure information by calling 1-800-THRUWAY (800-847-8929).

All motorists are reminded to drive with caution through the construction zone and also that the speed limit has been reduced within the construction zone. Motorists are reminded to obey the posted work zone speed limit signs; fines are doubled for speeding through work zones. Additional State Police Troop T members will be stationed within the active work zone.

For more project related information, please visit the Authority’s website at www.nysthruway.gov and click on “Projects and Studies.”

The Authority appreciates motorists’ patience during this important project.

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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/.

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