Road, highway and bridge construction projects will be halted over the Memorial Day weekend to ease travel, according to New York State Governor Kathy Hochul.

The temporary stoppage started on Friday and will last through 6 a.m. on Tuesday, May 31, Hochul stated.

"Memorial Day is a great time of year to travel and enjoy everything that New York State has to offer," Hochul said in a release.

"In order to make our state roads safer and more efficient for motorists, we are suspending all road and bridge construction throughout the holiday weekend. I encourage all New Yorkers to have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend and remind them to please drive responsibly and help ensure this is happy and safe time for all."

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

According to AAA, more than 39 million people are expected to travel 50 miles or more during the Memorial Day weekend, 3 million more than 2021. The increase is expected to be the second highest growth in travelers since 2010. Nearly 35 million people will travel by car, an increase of 4.6%, officials said.

Text 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. All text stops will remain open, providing locations where drivers can safely and conveniently usetheir phones and other mobile devices for calling, texting, navigating and accessing mobile apps. Texting while driving is especially dangerous, as it requires motorists to take their eyes off the road, hands off the wheel and mind off driving, officials stated.