NYC rolls out restrictions on Midtown truck deliveries on World Cup match days
MIDTOWN, Manhattan (WABC) -- With the countdown to the start of the FIFA World Cup underway, New York City is rolling out new restrictions on truck deliveries in Midtown on match days.
They cover 30 of the city's busiest blocks, from 30th to 60th streets, and will be in place for six hours before, and three hours after each game.
This is due to the anticipated high volume of soccer fans traveling to and from the games.
City officials wanted to make it clear that this is not a ban, but rather an ask for businesses to not have trucks delivering in the gridlock zone around the time of the eight match days.
The good news is that half of the matches are on the weekend, so there's naturally less traffic, but the other four matches are on weekdays, which will be deemed gridlock alert days.
Officials are specifically referring to tractor trailers and small box trucks.
An alternative for businesses could be to temporarily receive shipments earlier in the morning.
New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Michael Flynn talked about the closing off of 42nd Street to traffic, and navigating how to handle Manhattan traffic during the World Cup games.
"I think we're open to any and all big ideas. 42nd Street is clearly a very important crosstown transit corridor and we're always on the lookout for good ideas," he said.
A New York City DOT spokesperson also released a statement reading in part, "We understand the concerns from local businesses and are working closely with them to raise awareness of the restrictions and help them plan for delivery needs. These targeted restrictions on large truck deliveries during peak match-day periods in Midtown are designed to reduce congestion, keep the city moving, and minimize disruptions for residents, workers, visitors, and businesses."
Businesses have less than two weeks to come up with a game plan.
The first World Cup match is on June 13.
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