HOV lane for Gowanus Expressway and Hugh L. Carey Tunnel to open on Friday

From the Governor’s Office:

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced on Wednesday, November 25, that for the first time in more than 15 years, the Gowanus Expressway and Hugh L. Carey Tunnel HOV lanes will be open for the morning commute the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 27^th. Higher traffic volume is expected due to a favorable weather forecast and an improving economy.

“Opening this HOV lane on Friday will allow for a smoother trip for travelers and commuters alike during this busy travel time,” said Cuomo. “This is one more way we are seeking to put Drivers First and make travel quicker and more convenient this Thanksgiving weekend.”

The Gowanus bus/HOV lane operates inbound from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. weekdays from the Verrazano Narrows Bridge to the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel, a distance of 5.3 miles. The lane is constructed each morning by moving concrete barriers into place, and requires 3+ persons to be in a vehicle to use. Also, because the HOV lane leads directly to the EZ pass lane at the tunnel, motorists using the lane must have EZ pass.

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Matthew J. Driscoll said, “The Gowanus Expressway HOV lane is an efficient travel option in and around New York City. Whether you’re using that lane to get to work or bargain hunt in Manhattan you’re contributing to a stronger economy. Easing the HOV lane restriction Friday is another example of Governor Cuomo’s commitment to putting drivers first and using our transportation network to fuel the economy.

The 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week bus/HOV on the Staten Island Expressway will also be open. Recently, the New York State Department of Transportation completed a $118.5 million project to extend this lane from Victory Boulevard on Staten Island to the Verrazano Narrows Bridge in both directions.

“All of Staten Island thanks Governor Cuomo for ensuring that the Gowanus Expressway and Hugh L Carey Tunnel HOV lanes will be open the morning after Thanksgiving,” said added Senator Diane Savino. Every year, this is one of the most heavily traveled days and the addition of this lane will provide some much needed congestion relief. Whether you are on your way home or out to Black Friday, this ensures a safer, more enjoyable travel experience for all.”