Traffic is rerouted off the State Thruway at Exit 60.

Vehicles heading eastbound on the New York State Thruway starting at Exit 60 in Westfield are operating in the slow lane.

At 5 p.m. today, the eastbound lanes were closed on Interstate 90 until at least 7 a.m. Saturday to Exit 59 in Dunkirk-Fredonia. The temporary closure is to allow crews to safely remove a severely damaged portion of the North Road overpass over the Thruway at milepost 473.78 in Chautauqua County. The overpass has been subject to at least three bridge strikes by over-height trucks since the beginning of the year.

The overpass is currently closed to vehicle traffic. Following multiple inspections this week, Thruway and consulting engineers determined that a damaged girder should be removed and other work completed to stabilize the overpass.

Motorists should follow Emergency Detour Route “D” which will direct traffic to NY Route 394 east, to US-20 east, to Route 60 north, and reentering the Thruway at exit 59 (Dunkirk). The length of the detour is approximately 18 miles. The closure is expected to be in place for approximately 14 hours.

Village of Fredonia officials warned that increased roundabout traffic at Route 60 will create additional delays at times.