HANGOUT — Gina Sarama, 6, climbs along the metal gym at Griffith Park during Sunday’s “We Love Sloan” Family Picnic. Photo by John Rusac Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com The New York State Thruway Authority and State Police Troop T will take special steps to ensure safety along I-90 in regards to the expected increase in traffic for Labor Day.

Over the holiday weekend, State Police Troop T, which exclusively patrols the Thruway System, will be out in full force aiding motorists and enforcing traffic laws. The Thruway Authority and State Police remind all travelers to buckle up and properly secure children under age four in an approved child safety seat.

“Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, as motorists head out to enjoy the last days of summer” said Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael R. Fleischer. “The Thruway will be seeking to reduce congestion this holiday weekend by removing lane restrictions wherever possible.”

Last year, more than 2.7 million vehicles traveled more than 95 million miles on the Thruway between Friday, Sept. 4, and Monday, Sept. 7.

“Wearing seat belts, using only hands-free cell phones, allowing plenty of time to reach one’s destination, and remembering to take frequent safety breaks will help ensure a safe trip this holiday weekend,” said Troop T Major Robert C. Meyers. “The last holiday weekend of the summer, Labor Day, always means busy roads. Motorists are encouraged to stay alert and be keenly aware of their surroundings.”

This year, the Authority will take a number of steps to help facilitate traffic movement and keep motorists informed along the Thruway’s 2,818 lane miles of highway and more than 800 bridges, including:

• Providing traveler information. Should major delays occur, motorists will be advised through electronic variable message signs along the roadway, TRANSalerts, and the Thruway’s Highway Advisory Radio. The HAR stations broadcast traffic advisories, road conditions, weather reports and safety tips to travelers 24 hours a day.

• Monitoring traffic incidents. In addition to State Police Troop T and maintenance patrols, the Authority will increase its monitoring of traffic conditions for accidents and incidents using closed circuit television cameras. By using the Authority’s interactive mapping interface, customers can also check on current, up-to-minute traffic incidents and access cameras along various sections of the Thruway system. There are currently 92 traffic cameras operating, and customers can access those cameras by visiting the Authority’s website at www.thruway.ny.gov/webcams.

Holiday traffic delays are most likely to occur at the Lackawanna and Williamsville Toll Barriers near Buffalo.

Motorists and their families should know that most Travel Plazas will be providing all services for the Labor Day weekend. Only the Oneida and Chittenango Plazas’ fuel services are closed due to construction projects, but their restaurants and rest rooms remain open.