For Immediate Release: August 15, 2008

Thruway Authority Announces Brief Traffic Stoppages On Berkshire Connector
Motorist May Experience Delays During Scheduled Stoppages

The New York State Thruway Authority today announced that steel erection for a bridge replacement project near the Massachusetts State Line on the Berkshire Connector, will require periodic traffic stoppages on Tuesday, August 19 and Wednesday, August 20, 2008, from 7 a.m. until 5p.m., weather permitting. In the event of inclement weather, the stoppages will be on Thursday, August 21, 2008.

During the scheduled operations, eastbound traffic will be brought to a complete stop for no longer than 10 minutes each. Motorists are advised that they may experience residual traffic delays as a result of the stoppages.

This phase of the bridge replacement project includes the installation of steel girders for a new bridge between Interchange B3 (Route 22, Austerlitz, New Lebanon) and the Massachusetts State Line on the Berkshire Connector.

The $6.4 million bridge project is being performed by Bette & Cring Construction Group, of Latham, New York, and is scheduled for completion in spring of 2009.

The Authority will activate its Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) to advise motorists of the construction project.

As always, motorists are reminded to remain alert and aware of their surroundings while traveling through the construction work zone. Motorists should also keep in mind that fines for speeding are doubled in construction work zones.

The Authority appreciates motorists’ patience and understanding as this essential highway improvement project takes place.

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The Authority offers a free email service called TRANSalert to its customers via email or text messaging to inform them of major unscheduled incidents that may affect their travel on the Thruway.  To sign up for the TRANSalert service, customers can visit the Authority’s website at www.nysthruway.gov/tas/.

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