Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that New York State will suspend temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction on state highways during the upcoming Labor Day weekend. The suspension will be in effect from 6:00 a.m. on Friday, August 29, through 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 2. The move is intended to ease travel as traffic increases over the holiday and to enhance safety for highway workers.
“New Yorkers will be out this Labor Day weekend enjoying everything our state has to offer, and we want everyone to have a safe and memorable holiday weekend,” Governor Hochul said. “I encourage all New Yorkers to plan their trip ahead of time, drive sober, stay alert, obey the speed limit and adhere to the Move Over law while on the road.”
Some construction activity may continue behind permanent barriers or in cases of emergency repairs. The suspension is part of the Drivers First Initiative, which seeks to reduce congestion and minimize delays caused by infrastructure work.
The state’s Move Over Law was expanded in March 2024 to require drivers to slow down and change lanes for any vehicle stopped along the roadway. Motorists are reminded by both the Thruway Authority and Department of Transportation (DOT) to remain vigilant when driving and move over safely when they see vehicles at the roadside.
In addition, New York State Police and local law enforcement agencies are participating in the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign through Monday, September 1. This initiative focuses on preventing impaired and reckless driving with increased patrols and checkpoints.
New York State Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare stated, “The Labor Day holiday is a busy weekend for travel, and we want motorists to arrive at their destinations safely and with fewer delays. We urge motorists to make safety a priority, remain alert, slow down and safely move over for any vehicle on the side of the road. We thank our partners at New York State Police Troop T for patrolling the Thruway and keeping motorists safe.”
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer, and I encourage all New Yorkers to please drive responsibly, plan your travel ahead of time, and show courtesy to fellow drivers so that everyone can enjoy the weekend safely. If you encounter a stopped vehicle, please slow down and safely move over a lane. And don’t forget, the 511NY app is a great resource for checking out road and traffic conditions before you start traveling. Let’s all follow the rules of the road, pay attention while driving and enjoy a great Labor Day weekend with family and friends.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James added that despite suspended construction work zones remain hazardous: “Labor Day weekend reflects the hard work and achievements of American workers, and with that comes increased travel and celebration throughout New York state. While road construction will be suspended, motorists should still drive with caution through work zones, obey posted speed limits and be mindful of emergency and maintenance vehicles. If plans include alcohol, arrange for a safe ride home. Together we can all safely enjoy the last days of summer.”
Mark J.F. Schroeder from DMV also emphasized responsible behavior: “We know that many people will be hitting New York’s roads to celebrate the unofficial end of summer with family and friends but it is up to all of us to make sure those roads are safe. If you are going to drink alcohol or consume cannabis make sure you have a plan to get home safely…”
To help reduce distracted driving incidents text stops such as rest areas along state highways are available statewide.
According to information from transportation officials https://www.thruway.ny.gov/travelers/serviceareas/index.html , every service area along major routes like those between Hudson Valley https://www.thruway.ny.gov/travelers/mobile-app.html , Pennsylvania State line is open except one under renovation; fuel services remain accessible at all locations; travelers can use mobile apps offering real-time updates about traffic conditions; TRANSalert email notifications are also available.
Travelers can consult NYSDOT’s resources such as calling 5-1-1 or using online tools including more than 2,000 traffic cameras https://511ny.org/ , plus features like Drive mode which provides audible incident alerts during trips.
For planning sober rides home or reporting impaired drivers there is also an official STOP-DWI Have A Plan app offered free across major smartphone platforms.
