New York Gov. George E. Pataki unveiled a new, Web-based Winter Traveler Advisory System designed to provide New York motorists practical information on state highway conditions during major winter weather events. The system will enable motorists to obtain information for many of New York state's most-traveled roads, including the Thruway.

"As part of our continuing efforts to ensure that New York has the best and safest transportation system in the nation, this new online service will provide commuters, travelers and businesses with first-hand information about road and weather conditions across the state so they can better plan their trips," Pataki said. "This Winter Traveler Advisory System provides highway condition information people need when they need it, helping motorists travel New York state highways during weather events safely, conveniently and efficiently."

The system represents an important step toward implementing the governor's plan for a better integrated statewide transportation system involving New York's principal transportation agencies and authorities.

The State Department of Transportation's (NYSDOT) Web-based winter traveler system is accessible by logging on to any computer with Internet capability at the Web site and clicking on the Winter Traveler Advisory System link. Thruway-only information also can be accessed from a link on the NYSDOT Winter Traveler Advisory Web site, or by visiting the Thruway Web site and clicking on the "Thruway Winter Traveler Advisory" link.

Road information is provided by state snow plow drivers, New York State Police, toll collectors and other staff who periodically report on weather and road conditions, including whether roads are dry, wet, snow covered, heavily snow covered, closed or closed intermittently.

The NYSDOT Web site features a color-coded map of New York state that travelers can use to follow highway conditions, make informed decisions on whether to travel, and select the best routes. By clicking on the "Get Road Report" feature and selecting a road, viewers can get information on road conditions -- such as icy spots, flooding and snow -- as well as weather conditions affecting the road -- such as blowing and drifting snow, fog or freezing rain.

The Thruway Authority Web page offers users a map of the Thruway system, divided into segments between key Thruway interchanges, enabling users to pinpoint the portions of the system they are interested in. By clicking on a highway segment, the map will provide a written description of real-time pavement and weather conditions on that segment of the Thruway system.

"New York's winters can be harsh, and unexpected storms can create serious problems for motorists," Mark Kulewicz, chairman of the New York State American Automobile Association (AAA) Safety Committee said. "The Winter Traveler Advisory System will provide them with the information they need to adjust their plans when travel conditions take a turn for the worse."

State Transportation Commissioner Joseph H. Boardman said, "Thanks to the support of Gov. Pataki, this new system enables motorists, schools and businesses to make better informed decisions about traveling New York state highways this winter, providing road condition information that will help increase traveler safety and improve mobility and system reliability. Armed with this new information, travelers may be able to avoid some of the hazards of winter driving."

Thruway Executive Director Michael R. Fleischer said, "Gov. Pataki has directed us to look at the state's transportation network from a customer's point of view. Making this information available to the public and linking these Web pages is one of the many steps we hope to take toward creating a more seamless and customer-friendly statewide transportation system that will better serve our customers." KW