It’s been more than a month since a snow storm crippled the area and left some drivers stranded on the Thruway for as many as 26 hours. YNN’s Nicki Mayo tells us how Western New York lawmakers are working with the state to make sure it doesn't happen again.

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The NYSTA, the New York State Department of Transportation, State Police and Emergency Management Offices have developed a Freeway Closure Plan.

“Make sure that what happened on December 1st and 2nd does not happen again, so that we act quicker, that there’s more local decision making. If traffic needs to be diverted, it is diverted quickly and safely,” Fleisher added.

The goal is to help ensure they are prepared to take on a heavy snow storm like the one that stranded motorists, some for more than a day, on the Thruway in Cheektowaga back in December.

“We will do better, we can do better. Governor Cuomo has directed all state agencies to do a better job of pre-planning,” Fleisher said.

The plan coordinates efforts with State Police and local fire to set up pre-staged barrels and cones, as well as a Barrier Section Removal Plan for emergency U-turns.

“There’s a necessity for a human double-check element on such barriers to ensure that they actually went down, and the need for perhaps a camera,” said 140th District Assemblyman Robin Schimminger.

State Police will also get additional ATV’s equipped with emergency supplies for people along the Thruway.

“We have to move this traffic and get it off that system, but we’re going to do it collaboratively with our local partners. There’s going to be an impact,” said Captain Michael Nigrelli of the New York State Police.

“This was a very unfortunate situation. There was pain and suffering, “said Assemblyman Mark J.F. Schroeder of the 145th District. He represents South Buffalo and the South Towns - the areas hardest hit in the December storm. Schroeder says the Thruway shutdown demonstrates the need to streamline all thruway matters under the Department of Transportation.

“I don’t think it’s necessary to have ‘authorities’ anymore. Especially the New York State Thruway Authority,” he added.

Thruway Authority officials say it's important to work together to protect motorists in the future.

“Better coordination, better communication, and in the end a better service and a better response to the traveling public,” said Fleisher.