Qualified Access Highways

Under the 1990 Omnibus Truck Safety Bill, New York authorized the use of 53 foot trailer combinations effective November 1990. Per § 385(3) (e) of the Vehicle & Traffic Law, the 53 foot trailer combinations are restricted to the Qualifying and Access Highway system. Because New York City felt that 53 foot trailers would be unable to maneuver effectively on City streets, a provision was included in the legislation that prohibited the vehicles within the City. However, in order to provide service to Long Island, one specific route corridor consisting of the following interstate highways was approved for travel to Long Island. The New York City interstate routes approved for 53-foot trailers are as follows:

1-95 - from Bronx/Westchester County line and 1-295
1-295 - from 1-95 to Throgs Neck Bridge to the Long Island Expressway (1-495)
1-495 - from 1-295 and Queens/Nassau County line

A detailed listing of the qualified access highway system can be viewed in the Official Description of Designated Oualifying and Access Highways in New York.

If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact our office at 212-509-7700 or email us at Email Me.