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Thruway gets 'soft opening' to help get truck traffic moving along

By Howard B. Owens

Deputies are heading out to the various locations were truckers are parked to let them know that one lane of the Thruway is open in each direction in what one dispatcher called a "soft opening" of the I-90.

The goal is to start clearing truck traffic, especially in those areas, such as portions of Route 63 and Route 77, where truckers have parked to wait out the hazardous travel conditions.

A travel ban has been in effect all night for Genesee County and remains in effect at this hour. County officials are currently meeting at emergency operations center discussing the matter after sending road crews out to assess the situation.

No word yet on when the ban might be lift.

UPDATE 5:25 a.m.: A deputy reports Route 77 is now clear of truck traffic.

UPDATE 5:37 a.m.: Office Max, Home Depot and Target parking lots are now clear. Truckers at Walmart being notified next.

UPDATE 5:46 a.m.: The travel advisory for Wyoming County has been lifted.

UPDATE 5:51 a.m.: Walmart is clear. Kmart is next.

UPDATE 6:33 a.m.: Truck traffic for fuel going into Flying J is getting backed up on Route 77. A deputy says he's going to have to shut down truck traffic at Brickhouse Corners.

UPDATE 7:09 a.m.: Route 77 is being closed to all northbound traffic at Brickhouse Corners.

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