Heavy traffic this weekend

Traffic to be heavy on highway during Memorial Day weekend

You name the highway in the Hudson Valley and Catskills – The Thruway, I-84, the Taconic and Palisades parkways – and they are all going to experience heavy traffic this weekend as people escape from their hometowns for the unofficial start of the summer season. Traffic typically begins to build up by early afternoon on a holiday Friday.

State Police are reminding motorists to be mindful of the heavier traffic, obey traffic laws and beware of work zones.

In most areas, police presence will be visible to insure that laws are not broken. ''While the summer driving season is upon us, and motorists are eager to begin their holiday festivities, we hope everyone will travel with caution, observe the speed limit, and arrive at their destinations safely,'' said Michael Fleischer, executive director of the New York State Thruway Authority.

July 01, 2005

Independence from the gas pump
Drivers, beware of bottlenecks

By Mike Dawson
Times Herald-Record
mdawson@th-record.com

Those readying to gas and go to the Catskills and the Poconos this holiday weekend better pack their patience.
The two regions are on the list of the worst traffic bottlenecks in the country this weekend along with Lake George, Cape Cod, Mass., and The Hamptons.
The study, aptly called "Are We There Yet?" by the American Highway Users Alliance, says the Oregon Coast will see the most congestion.
The Catskills made the top 10, with the Poconos ranked the 11th worst. Lake George was 22nd, and The Hamptons rounded out the dubious list at 25.
Based on traffic counts on major highways that feed into popular vacation spots, the study notes that vacationers face more snarled traffic on the holidays than on their daily commute.
An estimated 33.9 million people will hit the highways this weekend, according to the AAA auto club.
"Like the urban congestion that frustrates commuters daily, seasonal bottlenecks are slowing down vacationers and making trips to our country's beautiful recreation areas more of a hassle," said Greg Cohen, president and CEO of American Highway Users Alliance.
Cohen says drivers should avoid peak driving times, try to use public transportation and, if nothing else, stay alert and be prepared to stop … then go … then stop and go again until they reach their vacation spot.

Holiday bottlenecks

Here's the list of the worst bottlenecks this weekend, according to the American Highway Users Alliance:

1. Oregon Coast
2. Tidewater region in Virginia
3. Maryland/ Delaware shore
4. Branson, Mo.
5. Outer Banks, N.C.
6. Cape Cod, Mass.
7. Jersey Shore
8. Napa Valley, Calif.
9. Pennsylvania Amish country
10. The Catskills
11. The Poconos and Lake Wallenpaupack
12. Provo Canyon, Utah
13. Yosemite National Park, Calif.
14. Asheville, N.C.
15. Sun Valley, Idaho
16. Lake Tahoe, Calif.
17. Lake Winnipesaukee, N.H.
18. Yellowstone National Park, Wyo.
19. Presque Isle, Pa.
20. Arcadia National Park, Maine
21. White Mountains, N.H.
22. Lake George
23. Myrtle Beach, S.C.
24. Salmon, Idaho
25. The Hamptons

Secret shortcuts

We've just told you that traffic's a bear, and as if you didn't know, gas prices are soaring.
But if you're determined to hit the road this weekend, here's an insider's guide to getting around local traffic tie-ups.

Middletown to Monticello

Instead of Route 17, go out Route 211 West until it meets with Route 209 in Cuddebackville. Take a right on Route 209 and then a quick left on Oakland Valley Road. Follow this winding road over the mountain, while keeping a sharp eye out for the turkey, deer and an occasional black bear that can be seen along the way, until the blinking light at the intersection of Route 42. Turn right and follow into Monticello.