Gridlock Alert days ahead as UN General Assembly descends on NYC
Gridlock Alert days return Sept. 21 as UN General Assembly arrives in NYC.
NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- Drivers should brace for some of the worst traffic of the year later this month as New York City enters its annual stretch of Gridlock Alert days, beginning with the United Nations General Assembly and continuing through the busy holiday season.
The New York City Department of Transportation has designated 20 days between Sept. 21 and Dec. 23 when traffic is expected to be at its slowest and most congested. The first five days coincide with the United Nations General Assembly, when world leaders, diplomats and security operations transform large sections of Midtown Manhattan and trigger extensive street closures and delays.
According to DOT data, traffic moves slower during UN General Assembly week than at any other time of the year. Average vehicle speeds in Midtown historically fall below 4 mph during the gathering, compared with the typical range of 4 to 6 mph.
Transportation officials are urging New Yorkers to leave their cars at home and rely on mass transit, ferries, biking or walking whenever possible. Signs will be posted throughout the city warning motorists about expected backups and delays.
In its announcement, DOT officials highlighted improvements in Manhattan's bike and bus networks, including the permanent protected bike lane through the First Avenue Tunnel near the United Nations headquarters, expanded bike infrastructure in neighborhoods such as NoHo, the East Village and Union Square, and new bus lane projects along Madison and Lexington avenues.
Beyond the U.N. gathering, DOT's list includes several dates in November and December, when holiday travel, tourism and seasonal shopping typically create heavy congestion across Manhattan.
NYC DOT's Gridlock Alert days are listed below:
United Nations General Assembly
- Sept. 21
- Sept. 22
- Sept. 23
- Sept. 24
- Sept. 25
Holiday season
- Nov. 18
- Nov. 19
- Nov. 24
- Dec. 2
- Dec. 3
- Dec. 4
- Dec. 8
- Dec. 9
- Dec. 10
- Dec. 11
- Dec. 15
- Dec. 16
- Dec. 17
- Dec. 18
- Dec. 23
