For Immediate Release: 11/19/22   
Contact: Office of Media Relations and Communications 
(518) 471-5300 | public.info@thruway.ny.gov  

THRUWAY AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES LIFTING OF TRAVEL BANS ON ITS ROADWAY

Travel Conditions Throughout the Region Remain Dangerous – Residents are Urged to Stay Home to Allow Officials to Clear Local Roadways

Effective immediately, the New York State Thruway Authority is lifting travel bans previously in place in Western New York only on its highways (I-90 and I-190). The Thruway will be open to all through-traffic.

The temporary diversion for all traffic on I-90 between exit 53 (Buffalo (Downtown) – Canada – Niagara Falls – I-190) and exit 59 (Dunkirk) is NO LONGER in effect.

The travel ban on commercial traffic on I-90 from exit 46 (Rochester - I-390) to exit 61 (Ripley - Shortman Rd) is NO LONGER in effect however, motorists should be alert as certain exits will remain closed to allow officials to clear local roadways. The lifting of commercial vehicle restrictions requires commercial vehicles to remain in the right lane and keep their speed under 55 miles per hour.

The New York State Thruway will maintain hard closures to all traffic at exit 54 (Rt. 400) and exit 55 (Rt. 219). At exit 56 (Blasdell) and exit 57 (Milestrip), New York State Police will actively enforce a commercial vehicle ban to ensure that these vehicles do not exit onto the local roads at these two locations. VMS boards will indicate these exits are closed to commercial traffic.

A number of other travel bans remain in effect around the area. To find the latest traffic and travel conditions, call 511, visit www.511ny.org or download the free 511NY mobile app. The online system and mobile app include a state road map, indicating which roads are experiencing snow conditions.

Variable Message Signs and social media are utilized to alert motorists of winter weather conditions on the Thruway.

The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway here.

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