Severe Delays Expected on I-190 in Buffalo This Week

It’s not just something we joke about, it often feels true that Western New York only has two seasons: winter and construction.

This past winter seemed like it would never end, bringing plenty of challenges for drivers across the region. Now that warmer weather has arrived, construction season is in full swing, and that will create a new set of headaches for commuters this week.

Drivers traveling along Interstate 190 in Buffalo should prepare for significant delays as a major road project gets underway.

Construction Season Underway Across Western New York

Here in the Buffalo area, we’re used to seeing traffic cones, lane closures, and detours once the snow finally melts. In fact, many paving projects throughout Western New York appear to be moving along quickly this year.

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If you’ve been driving around the region, you’ve probably noticed crews working on roads and highways in nearly every direction.

One of the largest projects continues on the New York State Thruway near the Walden Galleria area. That construction is expected to continue for several more months and could even stretch into next year.

Major I-190 Project Expected to Cause Severe Delays

However, the project likely to have the biggest impact on drivers this week is happening on the southbound I-190 near downtown Buffalo.

Construction crews will be working on the right lanes between Exit 4 and Exit 1 as part of a paving and highway safety improvement project. Drivers should expect lane shifts, reduced speeds, and significant traffic backups throughout the construction zone.

Warning signs have already been posted on overhead message boards alerting motorists to the expected delays.

South: Right lane,
Wednesday, June 17 between 6AM and 12PM. Thursday, June 18 between 7AM and 12PM. Friday, June 19 between 6AM and 12PM.

South: Right 2 lanes,
Wednesday, June 17 between 12AM and 6AM. Thursday, June 18 between 12AM and 7AM. Friday, June 19 between 12AM and 6AM.

If possible, commuters may want to allow extra travel time or seek alternate routes during peak travel periods.

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Drivers Reminded to Follow New York’s Move Over Law

The good news is that officials expect this portion of the project to be completed by the end of the week, hopefully before Father’s Day weekend traffic picks up.

Summer officially arrives this weekend, and we’re entering the heart of road construction season across New York State. Drivers are reminded to slow down, move over when required, and give highway workers plenty of space.

Work-zone enforcement cameras are expected to be active, and motorists who fail to follow posted speed limits or New York’s Move Over Law could face costly penalties.

More Road Work Planned Across Western New York

While there are numerous construction projects happening throughout Western New York, most are expected to cause only minimal to moderate delays.

The work on southbound I-190, however, appears to be one of the most disruptive projects currently underway, with transportation officials warning motorists to expect severe delays throughout the week.