Road Closures And Travel Bans Update In Western New York

If you’re headed to work this morning, you may be wondering if you are able to take the 219, and the answer is a bit complicated. 

On Monday morning, the Erie County Commissioner of Emergency Services, Dan Neaverth Jr., held a press conference, clarifying the current travel bans and travel advisories as we head into the work week. 

You can watch the full press conference below. 

Many people are wondering about one road in particular: the 219. 

According to Dan Neaverth Jr. and Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, Route 219 thruway to Springville opened at 12 AM on Monday. 

However, that does not mean you will be able to get onto the road. 

Last week, we found out that the troopers and plow operators have to coordinate who opens the barrier via key. 

Brad Walters from Lancaster told us that those arm barriers “are actually chained and padlocked in the up position, [and] the thruway troopers and DOT plows have the keys to drop them manually and relook them in place.”

Soon, those arm barriers will be opened, but as of 6:25 AM on Monday, many travelers reported that those arm barriers are still in the locked position, preventing any driver from merging onto the 219.

Other travel bans and advisories to be aware of are listed below. 

Travel Advisories:

• Buffalo
• West Seneca
• Elma
• Marilla
• Hamburg
• Orchard Park
• Aurora
• Wales
• Evans
• Eden
• Boston
• Colden
• Holland

Travel Bans:

• Lackawanna
• South Buffalo (South of Williams St.)