BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) announced the Skyway will reopen to traffic Saturday night.
The decision to reopen the bridge on Sunday is good news for Bills fans traveling to New Era Field-- particularly from Canada.
The NYSDOT recently announced the Skyway would be closed from Friday evening until Monday morning.
The Sheriff's office even sent out a warning for drivers.
"It's gonna be a busy day and we're just encouraging people to plan out in advance their route for the day and to give themselves a little extra time and certainly remember to have patience on the roadway," said Scott Zylka, Public Information Officer for the Sheriff's office.
After 7 Eyewitness News reporters asked questions about the Bills home opener, the DOT reversed course.
The New York State Department of Transportation, working with our contractor, accelerated the timeline for this weekend’s planned work on the Skyway deck rehabilitation project to better accommodate travelers and restore the flow of traffic as soon as possible. Periodic closures of the I-190 southbound ramp to outbound Skyway will still be required next week.
Crews will close the Skyway in both directions Friday evening at 6:00 p.m. The Skyway will reopen two lanes to traffic in both directions Saturday at 10:00 p.m. The I-190 southbound ramp to outbound Skyway will also open temporarily reopen Saturday evening. The NYSDOT says the ramp will re-close periodically next week.
The Sheriff's office still wants people to be cautious.
"It's the home opener, the Bills are 2-0, everyone's extremely excited about this. Don't drink and drive, have that designated driver. Make sure someone is responsible and takes the keys after the game," said Zylka.
Detour signs will be posted while it's closed as crews prepare the bridge for the return of normal traffic patterns for the fall and winter.
The Bills will play the Cincinnati Bengals in Orchard Park Sunday.
