COLUMBUS - New York State Police are advising motorists to expect heavier than normal traffic THURSDAY, beginning at 6 a.m., November 5, along NY-8 in West Edmeston.

The Rockefeller Christmas tree is scheduled to be cut down and hoisted onto a transport trailer beginning at approximately 8 a.m., at 6526 NY-8. New York State Police, the Chenango County Sheriff’s Department and New Berlin Police will be assisting with traffic control in the area.

Motorists traveling through the area should anticipate delays and use caution around slowing or stopped traffic, work crews, and pedestrians.

At approximately 12:00 p.m. (subject to change), the Rockefeller Christmas tree will be escorted by police south on NY-8, to NY-17 in Deposit, then continue east on NY-17 toward I-87.

The tree is scheduled to arrive at Rockefeller Center on Saturday, November 7, 2026. The annual tree lighting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 2, 2026.

The 76-foot-tall Norway Spruce, donated by the Decker family, measures approximately 50-feet in diameter and weighs an estimated 11 tons. After the holiday season, the tree will be milled into lumber for Habitat for Humanity.

Motorists are encouraged to plan accordingly, allow extra travel time, and remain alert while traveling through the area

- Information from the NYSP