The Peru Gazette

Construction Closures Temporarily Suspended To Ease Holiday Travel

Albany, NYS News Release, Dec. 23, 2025 – Governor Kathy Hochul today reminded New Yorkers that State Police and local law enforcement agencies are participating in an ongoing nationwide enforcement strategy to remove impaired drivers from our roads this holiday season. The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign — an initiative funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) — will run through Thursday, January 1, 2026. 

“Anyone making the decision to place themselves or other drivers in danger this holiday season will be ticketed or face criminal charges,” Governor Hochulsaid. “Our state has zero tolerance for impaired and reckless driving because the safety of New Yorkers is always my top priority.”

In addition to the driving while intoxicated (DWI) checkpoints and patrols, law enforcement officers will be watching for speeding drivers, distracted drivers and drivers violating the “Move Over Law,” which requires drivers to exercise extreme caution when passing any vehicle that is stopped in or on the side of the road. 

New York State DMV Commissioner and GTSC Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder said, “The holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate, but you must celebrate responsibly. If you drive impaired and break the law, you will face consequences and be held accountable. Take the time to plan for a sober ride home, avoid distractions behind the wheel and slow down, especially in heavy traffic or poor weather conditions.” 

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “As motorists drive throughout the state to see family and friends this holiday season, we encourage them to make safe driving practices a priority. There’s no excuse for driving impaired, and when someone makes the choice to drive after using alcohol or drugs, they are endangering the lives of everyone. The State Police will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to discourage and detect impaired motorists. I thank the GTSC for their partnership in educating and bringing awareness to all who get into a vehicle in New York State.” 

Construction Closures Suspended

In an effort to ease travel during the busy holiday weekends, temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended beginning at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, December 24 through 6 a.m. Monday, December 29, and again from 6 a.m. Wednesday, December 31 through 6 a.m. Monday, January 5, 2026.   

The construction suspension aligns with New York State’s Drivers First Initiative, which prioritizes the convenience of drivers to minimize traffic congestion and travel delays due to road and bridge work. Drivers should be aware that some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs. 

Drivers must follow the state’s Move Over Law, which was expanded in March 2024 to require drivers to slow down and move over for all vehicles stopped along the roadway. The Thruway Authority and New York State Department of Transportation urge drivers to stay alert while driving, slow down and safely move over when they see a vehicle on the side of the road. The lives of drivers, employees, roadway workers and emergency personnel depend on it. 

Texting stops, including park-and-ride facilities, rest stops, service areas and parking areas along state highways support the state’s effort to reduce distracted driving.  The New York State Thruway Authority will also continue its tradition of offering free coffee and hot tea to travelers along the Thruway from 11 p.m. New Year’s Eve through 7 a.m. New Year’s Day morning to promote safety and alert driving. 

All 27 service areas located on the New York State Thruway are now open. Drivers can view the service areas and plan their stops on the Thruway Authority’s website and on the free mobile app, which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app also provides drivers direct access to real-time traffic and navigation assistance while on the go. Drivers can also sign up for TRANSalert emails, which provide the latest conditions along the Thruway. 

Travelers can also check NYSDOT’s 511NY before traveling by calling 5-1-1, visiting the 511 website, or downloading the free 511NY mobile app on the Apple App Store or Google Play. The free service allows users to check road conditions, view 2,219 traffic cameras and link to air and transit information. The app features Drive mode, which provides audible alerts along a chosen route while a user is driving, warning them about incidents and construction.