NYC Gridlock Alert: 20 UNGA Closures & 20 Gridlock Alert Days to Avoid

Summary:

The annual UN General Assembly begins NYC's busiest traffic season, with 20 days deemed "Gridlock Alert" days through the end of 2024.
Road closures have already begun, and traffic data shows average vehicle speeds in Midtown during the General Assembly week dropping to under 4 mph.
Cyclists will benefit from a new, permanent bike lane through the tunnel, designed to create an express lane during peak traffic periods.
The NYPD is ensuring world leader safety with visible officers and additional, unseen security measures.

NYC Traffic Season is Here: Avoid Gridlock with These Tips

New York City's busiest traffic season is here, with the annual United Nations General Assembly kicking off the annual wave of gridlock.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has released its list of Gridlock Alert days, with 20 days expected to have overwhelming traffic through the end of 2024. These days are marked in red on your calendar, as traffic data shows average vehicle speeds in Midtown during the General Assembly week drop to under 4 mph, compared to the typical 6 to 7 mph.

Road closures have already begun for the UNGA, so be sure to check your routes this weekend. The NYPD will be ensuring world leaders get to and from the event safely, with visible officers and additional security measures.

There is some good news for cyclists: over the past four years, the city created a temporary bike lane through the tunnel during UNGA, and it has been a success, according to the DOT. Officials are now redesigning the lane to make it a permanent fixture.

The NYC DOT's announcement reads: "This new jersey barrier-protected bike lane will create an express lane for cyclists and micro-mobility users through a portion of midtown."

Here's the list of 2024 Gridlock Alert days, so you can mark your calendars and plan to take public transit: