DUNKIRK, N.Y. -- The Thruway reopened just after 7 p.m. Tuesday after an accident shut down the westbound lanes for more than four hours. An accident involving at least two tractor-trailers forced people to take a detour at Exit 59. The 17 mile stretch from Exit 59 to Exit 60 remained closed from just after 2 p.m. until around 7 p.m. As of Tuesday night, there was no word on the cause or any injuries.
To keep drivers safe in the snow, Governor Andrew Cuomo activated the state's Emergency Operations Center Tuesday, shifting additional resources to Central and Western New York. It includes 390 plow operators and supervisors and 210 trucks, 32 front end loaders and 17 large snowblowers. Updates on any closures or delays on the Thruway are available 24/7 by calling 511.
