UPDATE: The New York State Thruway has reopened after mixed information from officials Tuesday morning. Gov. Hochul’s office and the New York State Thruway Authority confirmed the Thruway has reopened in both directions on the Thruway from I-90 Exit 46 (Rochester/Corning) to the Pennsylvania border.
“With today’s reopening of major highways across Western New York, we are finally turning the corner on this once-in-a-generation storm,” Hochul said. “That doesn’t mean we can let our guards down as it will take many more days for the region to dig out. But this is still good news and I urge motorists to drive carefully and cautiously, follow the rules of the road and be safe behind the wheel.”
From earlier:
The New York State Thruway was briefly “opened” Tuesday morning and then closed again in Western New York, while a travel ban remains in effect for Buffalo after a historic winter storm.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday that major highways were reopening, including the Thruway, I-290, I-990, and Routes 400 and 219. The Peace Bridge at the Canadian border also reopened to traffic coming to the U.S.
The Niagara International Transportation Technology Coalition (NITTEC) said the Thruway did reopen around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, but many exits never did. Less than an hour later, the NYS Thruway Authority decided to reclose it altogether in both directions between I-90 Exit 46 (Rochester/Corning) to the Pennsylvania state line.
The Thruway remains closed between Rochester and the Pennsylvania border until further notice due to “winter weather,” Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia confirmed. Buffalo saw as much as four feet of snow in a blizzard over Christmas weekend, with more snow expected Tuesday.
“Please proceed with caution and take it slow. Let crews do their job and don’t put your safety or the safety of those around you at risk,” the New York State Department of Transportation said on Twitter Tuesday.
A travel ban remains in effect in Buffalo, where 100 military police are coming to keep drivers off roads, according to Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz. Parts of Northern Cheektowaga and Williamsville are also in bad shape, Poloncarz added.
WGRZ reports Routes 33 and 198, as well as the Skyway, will remain closed. Travel advisories are still in effect for Niagara County, as well as in the cities of Lockport, Niagara Falls, and North Tonawanda.
Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced that some of the city’s snow removal crews and equipment are being deployed to Buffalo to help dig out the city. A team of nine Department of Public Works (DPW) employees will bring two pay loaders and six dump trucks as part of a NYS Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services mutual aid request.
“This is a matter of life safety. Many people in Buffalo neighborhoods have not been able to leave their homes since last Friday. Buffalo still has a long road ahead, and they need our help,” Walsh said. “I’m proud of our DPW professionals for answering the call and leaving their own families during the holidays. I’m also grateful to the leadership of the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees Locals 400 and 3952 who didn’t hesitate in finding a way to help.”
At least 28 deaths related to the winter storm have been reported, according to Poloncarz.
MORE:
Buffalo looting: Mayor calls looters during blizzard the ‘lowest of the low’
Christmas blizzard snowfall: See who got 4 feet
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