Gridlock alert in Manhattan as world leaders gather for United Nations General Assembly
MANHATTAN (WABC) -- Monday's bumper-to-bumper traffic is historically the slowest going of the year in Midtown with average speeds clocking in at less than 4 miles per hour.
Even an Amazon delivery driver named Edgar, in his narrow delivery scooter, had a tough time.
"On a basic day I could go in and whatever, but today, it's not good," he said. "It's crazy, the worst"
'Gridlock Sam' says this time of year walking can be faster than driving in town.
"In the heart of midtown, a senior citizen could walk at three miles an hour. That's how slow we're getting. And at times you're not going to move at all," Sam Schwartz, former New York City Traffic Commissioner, said.
Exacerbating the traffic tangle is the historic level of security for the 80th meeting of the United Nations General Assembly including more than 150 heads of state and their entourages including President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"This is one of the largest and most complex security operations anywhere," NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.
Operations meant to protect all city residents, in what homeland security calls a heightened threat environment.
"The Secret Service is mindful of the lives of 8 million New Yorkers whose lives do not simply stop because the UNGA is in session. We appreciate your patience," Matt McCool of the U.S. Secret Service said.
Until Saturday, when the assembly ends, First Avenue is closed from 42nd to 48th Streets. 44th through 48th Streets are closed from First to Second Avenue. The First avenue tunnel is open to cars and bicycles.
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City leaders and federal partners announced a multilayered security plan last week, including monitoring threats online and on the ground as well as deploying drones.
The NYPD is also increasing its police presence surrounding the upcoming Jewish High Holidays, which are happening amid the war in the Middle East.
Security measures will include an elaborate NYPD web of motorcades, drones, patrol officers and street closures.
Houses of worship across the city will also start to see a heavily armed police presence, with Rosh Hashanah beginning at sundown on Monday and last until Thursday. Yom Kippur happens next week.
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President Donald Trump is expected to speak Tuesday, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will deliver a speech Friday.
With wars escalating in Ukraine and Gaza, leaders are expected to meet this week.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he plans to meet with the President as Russian strikes continue to hit Ukraine.
In a joint press conference, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, the NYPD and the Secret Service gave an update on the preparations to keep everyone safe.
"The resources that we are deploying are extensive and go beyond just a uniformed presence,' said Tisch. "Our specialized units will be out in full force all week, including harbor units on the rivers, aviation assets over head, heavy weapons teams and counter-terrorism officers on the street and our TARU drone team will be providing real time situational awareness."
For commuters, some practical advice from 'Gridlock Sam":
"Number one, take the underground. Take the subway. Number two, if you have to drive, stay on the west side. Number three, stay north and south of 34th Street and 72nd Street," Schwartz said.
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