NYS DEC News Release of Dec. 30, 2025 – York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents statewide. Working with other State agencies, local emergency response organizations, and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate, and extract lost, injured, or distressed people from across New York State.

In the first half of 2025, Rangers conducted 139 search and rescue missions, extinguished 82 wildfires covering nearly 705 acres, and participated in 56 prescribed fires that rejuvenated 1,514 acres of land. In 2024, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 362 search and rescue missions, extinguished 122 wildfires covering nearly 6,500 acres, participated in 60 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate more than 1,155 acres of land, and worked on cases that resulted in more than 1,200 tickets and arrests.

Town of Schroon 
Essex County 
Wilderness Rescue: On December 24 at 11:30 a.m., the North Hudson Fire Department called Forest Ranger Quinn to assist with an injured hiker on Crane Pond trail. The 70-year-old from Fort Edward suffered an ankle injury after a fall and activated the SOS feature on a satellite device. Ranger Quinn responded with New York State Police, Schroon Lake Fire Department, North Hudson Fire Department, and Ticonderoga Emergency Medical Services. Rescuers stabilized the injury and used Schroon Lake Fire Department’s tracked utility terrain vehicle to transport the patient to a Ticonderoga ambulance. Resources were clear at 1 p.m. 

Schroon rescue

Schroon rescue

Town of Long Lake
Hamilton County
Snowmobile Accident: On December 28 at 12:19 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office requesting Forest Ranger assistance with a snowmobile accident off Uncas Road in Moose River Plains Wild Forest. Forest Ranger Lieutenant Arnold and Ranger Milano responded with Raquette Lake Fire Department, Raquette Lake and Inlet Emergency Medical Services, New York State Police, and Inlet Police. Rescuers found the 61-year-old from Amityville approximately 10 feet off the trail, in the woods. The snowmobiler had been ejected from the snowmobile while rounding a corner. The patient had unstable pelvis and leg injuries. Rescuers packaged the patient into Raquette Lake Fire Department’s tracked utility terrain vehicle (UTV). The UTV transported the injured snowmobiler to a nearby LifeNet helicopter that flew the patient to the hospital. Resources were clear at 1:50 p.m.

Long Lake snowmobile accident

Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC’s Hike Smart NY, Adirondack Backcountry Information, and Catskill Backcountry Information webpages for more information.

If a person needs a Forest Ranger, whether it’s for a search and rescue, to report a wildfire, or to report illegal activity on State lands and easements, they should call 833-NYS-RANGERS. If a person needs urgent assistance, they can call 911. To contact a Forest Ranger for information about a specific location, the DEC website has phone numbers for every Ranger listed by region.

More than 645,500 Pounds of Chemicals, Pesticides, Paint, Oil, Flammable Liquids, and Other Hazardous Materials Collected During 2025

Albany, DEC News Release of Dec. 29, 2025 – New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced another record-breaking year for the CleanSweepNY program. More than 645,500 pounds of chemicals, including pesticides, paint, oil, flammable and nonflammable liquids, and other hazardous materials, were collected during 2025—the highest amount in the program’s 23-year history and an overall increase of 9.3% from the previous record collection year.

“Programs like DEC’s CleanSweepNY continue to help discard unwanted or expired chemicals and pesticides while protecting public health and the environment,” said Commissioner Lefton. “Thanks to the continued support from Governor Hochul and investments from the Environmental Protection Fund, 2025 was another record-setting year for the CleanSweepNY program, with 343 participants disposing of more than 645,000 pounds of chemicals and helping support a toxic-free future for New York State.”

CleanSweepNY helps promote a healthy and sustainable New York State by providing opportunities for proper disposal of unwanted and/or obsolete pesticides, including herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, disinfectants, sanitizers, and antifoulants, as well as other covered wastes, including fertilizers, paint, primers, among others. These services are provided without cost to farmers, licensed pesticide applicators, municipalities, city and county agencies, colleges, pesticide businesses, and garden centers. The program was established by DEC in 2002 to promote proper waste separation and disposal practices of these potentially harmful chemicals, which may otherwise have been disposed of in landfills or other inappropriate ways, in order to reduce the potential for negative impacts to human health or the environment.

During 2025, the following materials were collected by DEC for safe disposal:

• 194,001 linear feet (36.7 miles) of light bulbs;
• 3,164 aerosol containers;
• 251,027 pounds of pesticides;
• 168,142 pounds of paint –
• 105,136 pounds of paint diverted to PaintCare for recycling. Learn more about paint recycling on DEC’s website;
• 28,430 pounds of motor oil;
• 117,587 pounds of flammable liquids (hand sanitizers, gasoline, etc.); and
• 73,717 pounds of nonflammable liquids (antifreeze, etc.).

The increase is driven predominantly by a spike in the price of whey, a milk byproduct.

Click here for the VTDigger story 

Albany, NY News Release of Dec.29, 2025 –  Michael Cashman (D-Plattsburgh) has been named Chair of the Task Force on New York-Canada Relations, a first-in-the-nation working group that fosters the New York’s critical links to its northern neighbor.

“New York State and Canada have a deeply ingrained relationship built on cooperation and respect,” Cashman said. “As the former town supervisor for Plattsburgh, I have seen firsthand the transformative impact that a strong partnership with Canada can have for communities at the border and across our state. I am deeply honored to contribute to that relationship and look forward to working with partners on both sides of the border.”

Launched in 2023 and previously chaired by former Assemblyman D. Billy Jones, the task force aims to raise awareness and deepen the impact of New York’s economic and cultural links to Canada. The state’s largest export market is Canada, accounting for 19% of the state’s total exports, or $17.4 billion, in 2024.[1] This amount does not include $8.4 billion in service exports, $17.9 billion in critical imports, or the nearly 60,000 New York workers employed by more than 800 Canadian-owned businesses.[2]

“The Assembly Majority is committed to fostering a good relationship with our Canadian neighbors,” Speaker Heastie said. “I have the utmost confidence that Assemblymember Cashman is the perfect choice to chair our Task Force on New York-Canada relations. His commitment to our border communities, trade, small businesses and robust tourism industry will serve him and the people of our state well in his new role.”

“This is a very positive development for the North County, maintaining our Assembly member’s leadership of the New York-Canada Task Force,” says Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. “This legislative grouping has become a valuable part of sustaining and growing our vital cross-border connections and Assemblyman Cashman will be a very strong leader of the initiative, having been an active player in North Country relations with Canada for years. We thank Speaker Heastie for entrusting this task force to Michael at a time when its mission and potential have never been more important. And we pledge the Chamber’s strong partnership going forward. Onward and upward!”

“I welcome the strong leadership that Assemblyman Michael Cashman will bring to the NY State Assembly’s Task Force on New York-Canada Relations! It is a testament to the bonds between Canada and New York that this Task Force will continue under new leadership to reinforce, strengthen, and expand the historical, cultural, familial, and economic ties we have shared over centuries. I look forward to working with Assemblyman Cashman to explore new pathways to success for citizens on both sides of the border,” said Consul General of Canada in New York Tom Clark.

Click here to view Peru Town Board’s Regular Meeting conducted on Dec. 29, 2025 at 1 p.m. 

Troopers Seized 170 Vehicles and Issued More Than 1,000 Tickets To Ensure Public Safety and Accountability

30 Individuals Owed Nearly $82,000 in Unpaid Tolls and Fees to Thruway Authority

NYS News Release of Dec. 29, 2025 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York State Police Troop T, in partnership with the New York State Thruway Authority, seized 170 vehicles and issued more than 1,000 tickets during four statewide enforcement details on the Thruway system that targeted drivers who persistently violated tolls, and had ghost plates and illegible or missing license plates. The details occurred this fall along the Thruway in Albany, the Hudson Valley and Syracuse. The owners of 30 vehicles that were impounded and had suspended registrations owed nearly $82,000 in unpaid tolls and fees to the Thruway Authority. The Authority has since recovered almost $38,000, representing 46 percent of the total owed, from 16 vehicle owners.

“Cracking down on persistent toll-evaders makes driving on the Thruway system fairer and more affordable for New Yorkers, all while funding critical infrastructure improvements that make our roads safer and more reliable,” Governor Hochul said. “Initiatives like these get bad actors off our roads and allow us to continue making historic investments in our roads, bridges and tunnels, giving everyone a better, safer ride.

This is the second major operation on the Thruway this year, following a coordinated enforcement campaign consisting of three enforcement details that took place over the summer, resulting in State Police seizing 140 vehicles and issuing 711 tickets. The summer and fall enforcement details resulted in the Authority recovering $116,000 of the $207,000 owed (56 percent) from 37 vehicle owners.

Across the country, there has been a notable increase in the use of fraudulent or “ghost” plates over the past few years to avoid cameras used to collect tolls without stopping. Additionally, some motorists also intentionally cover, obstruct and deface license plates, or use fake temporary tags, or “temp tags,” to make it harder for cameras and license plate readers to identify the vehicles. Read more »

Peru – CVPH Donor Center Blood Drive, Monday, January 12, 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St. in Peru.

CVPH uses all blood collected in our local trl-county region.  St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 coordinates Peru blood drives.  

Game schedule adjusted due to weather 

• 12 p.m. – Boquet Valley (Home) vs. Saranac (Girls)
• 2 p.m. – Willsboro (Home) vs. Saranac (Boys)
• 4 p.m. – Malone (Home) vs. Plattsburgh (Girls)
• 6 p.m. – Malone (Home) vs. Beekmantown (Boys)

• 12 p.m. – Saranac (Home) vs. Malone (Girls)
• 2 p.m. – Beekmantown (Home) vs. Willsboro (Boys)
• 4 p.m. – Plattsburgh (Home) vs. Boquet Valley (Girls)
• 6 p.m. – Saranac (Home) vs. Malone (Boys)

Plattsburgh, NY, News Release, December 26, 2025  Clinton County, NY – Clinton County has adopted its 2026 Operating Budget, marking another year of full compliance with the New York State property tax cap. Despite inflation, rising operational costs, and shifting state and federal mandates, the County successfully delivered a balanced budget without requiring a tax cap override.

Legislature Chairman Mark Henry (Chazy, Area 3-R) said remaining under the cap demonstrates Clinton County’s long-standing commitment to responsible governance. “Compliance with the tax cap is not accidental — it’s the product of consistent, conservative budgeting and a strong partnership between the Legislature and our department heads,” said Henry. “In an environment where costs are rising and mandates continue to grow, remaining under the tax cap demonstrates our accountability to the taxpayer and our determination to maintain stability without sacrificing essential services.”

County Administrator Christine Peters noted that achieving compliance this year required particularly close scrutiny. “Remaining under the tax cap in today’s economic environment is not easy,” said Peters. “It required a thorough, line-by-line review and significant effort by our department heads, who once again stepped up and worked hard to reduce costs while still protecting critical county services. Their dedication ensured we could meet our statutory requirements and maintain fiscal stability.”

Finance Committee Chair Rob Timmons (Peru, Area-10-R) highlighted the fiscal practices that allowed the County to stay within the cap. “We approach the budget each year with a long-term lens, knowing stability matters to both residents and the County’s financial health,” said Finance Chair Rob Timmons. “Staying under the tax cap required difficult decisions, but also careful planning, responsible use of reserves, and a collaborative effort across departments to identify savings without undermining service delivery.”

The County’s continued compliance strengthens its long-range financial position and reinforces Clinton County’s reputation for prudent, sustainable fiscal management.

Builds on the Governor’s Ongoing Efforts To Address the Youth Mental Health Crisis

Albany, NY – News Release of Dec. 26, 2025 – Governor Kathy Hochul negotiated a chapter amendment and signed legislation that will require social media platforms to display labels warning of the dangerous impact certain features can have on young users’ mental health. Legislation S4505/A5346, under the chapter amendment, requires social media platforms that offer addictive feeds, auto play or infinite scroll to post warning labels on their platforms. This legislation builds on the Governor’s ongoing efforts to address the youth mental health crisis statewide.

“Keeping New Yorkers safe has been my top priority since taking office, and that includes protecting our kids from the potential harms of social media features that encourage excessive use,” Governor Hochul said. “New Yorkers deserve transparency. With the amount of information that can be shared online, it is essential that we prioritize mental health and take the steps necessary to ensure that people are aware of any potential risks.”

Recent studies show that adolescents who spend more than three hours a day on social media face double the risk of anxiety and depression. About half of adolescents claim that social media makes them feel worse about their bodies, and teenagers with the highest levels of social media use are nearly twice as likely to rate their overall mental health as poor or very poor.

Consumer warning labels are already found on a variety of different products, such as tobacco, where they communicate the health risk of cancer; plastic packaging, where they communicate the risk of suffocation for small children; certain high-sugar and sodium food products, where they communicate the risk of diabetes, obesity, tooth decay, heart disease, or stroke; alcohol, where they communicate the risk of birth defects during pregnancy as well as the dangers of driving while drunk; and video games and other types of media, where they communicate the risk of flashing lights for users with photosensitive epilepsy.

To combat the mental health risks of using harmful features of social media platforms that prolong use, this legislation will require social media companies to display warning labels on their platforms when a young user initially uses the predatory feature and periodically thereafter, based on continued use. Users will not be able to bypass or click through the warnings.

Assemblymember Nily Rozic said, “New York families deserve honesty about how social media platforms impact mental health. By requiring warning labels based on the latest medical research, this law puts public health first and finally gives us the tools we need to make informed decisions. I’m proud to sponsor this legislation alongside Senator Gounardes as part of our broader effort to create a safer digital environment for kids.”

Click here for the NJ.com story 

Tracking the year’s most popular wildlife stories

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

Silver Lake Mountain Winter Hike (Joanne Kennedy photo)

Free Guided Hiking Events Offered in Warren, Essex, Franklin, and Clinton Counties to Ring in the New Year

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 5, in collaboration with partner organizations, is hosting six First Day Hike events on Thursday, January 1, 2026. First Day Hikes encourage New Yorkers to “Get Offline, and Get Outside” this holiday season, by celebrating the New Year at state parks, historic sites, natural areas, canal trails, environmental education centers, and various other public lands across the Empire State. The 15th annual First Day Hikes program offers varied hike options for people of all experience levels at more than 115 locations throughout the state.

DEC, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and the Canal Corporation are partnering to host these many walks and hikes taking place on New Year’s Day. A full list of New York State First Day Hikes, location details, format, pre-registration requirements and additional information can be found online for DEC, Parks, and Canals. Interested participants are encouraged to check the details of their preferred host site and register where required.

In the North Country, DEC Region 5 staff and partners are hosting the following hike opportunities for the public:

Clinton County:

Silver Lake Mountain 

Date: January 1, 2026

Time: We will start this hike at 6 a.m. to reach the summit for sunrise at 7:30 a.m. Please arrive at the parking lot at least 15 minutes early. We will finish around 9 a.m.

Meet Up Location: Silver Lake Mountain Trailhead, Silver Lake Road, Black Brook NY – located on the north side of Silver Lake Road, 11 miles west of Au Sable Forks, and near the east end of Silver Lake. (GPS Coordinates: 44.511043, -73.849852) Google Maps

Description: Watch the sunrise on the first day of 2026 from Silver Lake Mountain. This 1.8-mile round trip hike led by DEC staff offers big views of Taylor Pond, Whiteface Mountain, and the northeastern Adirondacks from the summit. Registration is required.

Difficulty Level: This is a short hike, but it gains roughly 900 feet in elevation, making it moderately steep. There are a few sections of exposed bedrock and roots, but nothing terribly difficult to navigate. Every 0.3 miles or so there is a small clearing with a lookout, as well as plenty of rocks and logs to sit and rest along the way.

Special Instructions: This is a SUNRISE hike, meaning that we will arrive at the trailhead, and climb the mountain in the dark. Headlamps are a necessity, as are microspikes/crampons due to ice near the summit. Snowshoes and trekking poles are recommended, but not required, as the trail will be packed down from moderate foot traffic. Dress warm, as there is often a breeze at the summit. Hikers must be at least 8 years old to participate in this hike. No pets are allowed on this hike.

Registration Required: Contact Liam Foran at liam.foran@dec.ny.gov or (607) 422-9409 by Wednesday, December 31

Essex County:

Read more »

Click here for the NCPR story 

U.S. Ski and Snowboard announced a change in venue for two World Cup events due to unseasonably warm weather in Park City, Utah.

Click here for the WPTZ News story 

Michelin awards $500 scholarships to each student

News Release Plattsburgh, NY – December 22, 2025 – TDC is pleased to announce the awardees of the “Best Booth” competition at 2025 Manufacturing Day as a group of high school students from Northeastern Clinton Central School who worked with the local team at Michelin to design the winning display. Each student participating in the creation of the Michelin booth has been awarded $500 that can be used for tuition and fees associated with courses through Clinton Community College.

Members of the winning team include Ben Brenahan, Evias Carpenter, Kaze Carpenter, Kevin Castine, Carter Garceau, Seth Rabideau, Otis Reed, and Noah Seller. Their school supervisor is Nicholas Trombley, a physics teacher at NCCS. Awardees were selected following a tally of the votes cast by attending eighth-grade students from schools across the tri-county region, who visited each of the displays and voted by ballot at the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing at Clinton Community College.

Clinton Community College Acting President Ken Knelly said, “Congratulations to the winning team for their creativity and dedication in making North Country Manufacturing Day 2025 such a success. Clinton Community College is proud to host this event at the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing, connecting students from our local school districts with real-world opportunities. We look forward to building on this tradition and inspiring the next generation of innovators.”

Awardees designed an interactive display at which they acted as representatives for Michelin, teaching their peers about the company, employment opportunities in Plattsburgh, and offering the opportunity for attendees to see items produced locally by Michelin and learn about their global use and impact. Their booth included a hands-on opportunity showcasing snowmobile tire treads.  Read more »

News Release of Dec. 23, 2025 – Grand Isle, VT – The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP), in partnership with NEIWPCC, seeks projects that will restore stream connectivity and remove barriers to aquatic organism passage.

The intent of this opportunity is to remove barriers to aquatic organism passage and restore stream connectivity, adding high-quality habitat, connecting cold-water stream networks, and enhancing the natural ecosystem function of river systems.

This funding may support all phases of culvert replacement or dam removal projects, including outreach, project screening, feasibility analyses, engineering designs, permitting, construction, site restoration, monitoring, and maintenance.

“Reconnecting streams is a vital part of our work to protect habitat in the Lake Champlain Basin,” said Dr. Eric Howe, NEIWPCC Program Director of the Lake Champlain Basin Program. “By replacing culverts and removing dams, we are simultaneously ensuring that fish and other species can move freely, and that our communities will be more resilient in the face of changing weather patterns.”

Up to $2.5 million is available to support awarded projects. Grants of up to $500,000 will be awarded. Two proposals may be submitted per eligible organization.

The awarded grants will support projects that advance the goals of the long-term Lake Champlain management plan Opportunities for Action (plan.lcbp.org). This grant opportunity is supported by funds awarded to Lake Champlain by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) via the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Proposals are due at 5:00 PM EST on February 13, 2026. An informational webinar will be offered on January 15, 2026 at 1:00 PM (join here). Awarded projects are targeted to begin work in late summer 2026 and must be completed by December 2029. More information, including grant guidelines and applications, is available on the Lake Champlain Basin Program’s website at lcbp.org/grants.

The letters paint a picture of a CIU process rife with roadblocks, especially for applicants who didn’t have lawyers.

Click here for the New York Focus story 

One hundred and forty laws that almost were.

Click here for the New York Focus story 

News Release of Dec. 23, 2025 – Plattsburgh, NY — Behavioral Health Services North (BHSN) is announcing the launch of “Together Totes,” a new community initiative providing essential hygiene and seasonal care items to individuals and families in crisis in the North Country. The program is supported through grant funding from The Foundation of CVPH. This collaboration hopes to bring much-needed support to our community when it is needed most.

The program is expected to reach over 1,000 individuals annually, with at least 500 care packages distributed in its first operational year through local community partners and multiple BHSN-run community programs.

Two deliveries of the totes have already taken place on 12/22 and 12/23, to the JCEO and to the Interfaith Food Shelf in Plattsburgh.

You can view video of the deliveries here: https://youtu.be/7PsUa1LbNfg.

Together Totes will be filled with toiletries, basic hygiene products, and winter essentials such as hats and gloves. These items will be distributed to BHSN clients experiencing urgent needs—including those fleeing domestic violence, transitioning out of hospitalization or homelessness.

In addition to supporting BHSN programs, Together Totes will be shared with community partners including JCEO, the Interfaith Food Pantry, and other regional service providers, strengthening collaboration and ensuring equitable access to essential items across the community.

“The Foundation of CVPH’s support allows us to meet people at pivotal moments—when a small act of care can make a major difference,” said Kevin Cooney, Marketing Director at BHSN. “Together Totes are about promoting dignity, stability, and wellness by making sure no one goes without the most basic essentials.”

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.