Summary:
NYC's Gridlock Alert Days start today due to the UN General Assembly's high-level week and upcoming holiday season.
Expect major delays along 1st Avenue and the FDR Drive due to the UN General Assembly, with Midtown traffic slowing to less than 4 miles per hour.
Several streets will be closed until September 29, including the FDR Drive, key areas around the UN headquarters, and major avenues in Midtown.
Gridlock Alert Days will continue in November leading up to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and throughout December due to holiday tourism.
The city recommends using mass transit during these periods to avoid traffic congestion.
NYC Gridlock Alert Days: UN General Assembly and Holiday Season Bring Traffic Chaos
New York City's Gridlock Alert Days kick off today, signaling a period of intense traffic congestion. The U.N. General Assembly's high-level week, running from Sept. 23 to Sept. 27, is expected to bring the worst traffic, with Midtown speeds dropping to less than 4 miles per hour.
The city's Department of Transportation recommends utilizing mass transit during these days, emphasizing its importance, especially during Gridlock Alert Days.
The U.N. General Assembly has already commenced on Sept. 10 and will last until Sept. 30. The high-level debate, a crucial part of the assembly, takes place between Sept. 24 and 28.
Expect significant delays along 1st Avenue between 34th and 63rd Streets, as well as the FDR Drive. The NYPD has implemented various traffic restrictions, including single-lane access on 57th and 42nd Streets and a 'frozen zone' on 1st Avenue between 40th and 49th Streets.
The following streets will remain closed until Sept. 29:
- FDR Drive between Whitehall Street and 42nd Street
- Area bounded by East 86th Street, East 80th Street, Park Avenue, and 5th Avenue
- Area bounded by 60th Street, 34th Street, 1st Avenue, and 3rd Avenue
- Area bounded by 57th Street, 45th Street, 3rd Avenue, and Madison Avenue
- Area bounded by 58th Street, 49th Street, Madison Avenue, and 6th Avenue / Avenue of the Americas
- Area bounded by West 47th Street, West 44th Street, 7th Avenue, and 8th Avenue
- Grand Army Plaza between 58th Street and 60th Street
- Grand Army Plaza between East Drive and 5th Avenue
- 8th Avenue between West 49th Street and West 44th Street
- 6th Avenue between West 59th Street and West 46th Street
- 5th Avenue between East 63rd Street and East 49th Street
- Madison Avenue between East 58th Street and East 42nd Street
- Vanderbilt Avenue between East 47th Street and East 42nd Street
- Park Avenue between East 62nd Street and East 45th Street
- Lexington Avenue between East 57th Street and East 42nd Street
- East 63rd Street between 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue
- East 62nd Street between 5th Avenue and Park Avenue
- East 61st Street between 5th Avenue and Lexington Avenue
- West 59th Street between 7th Avenue and 5th Avenue
- West/East 58th Street between Broadway and 6th Avenue / Avenue of the Americas
- West/East 57th Street between 7th Avenue and Dead End / FDR Drive
- West 56th Street between 7th Avenue and 6th Avenue
- West 55th Street between 7th Avenue and 6th Avenue
- West 54th Street between 7th Avenue and 6th Avenue
- West/East 53rd Street between 7th Avenue and FDR Drive
- West 52nd Street between 7th Avenue and 6th Avenue
- West 51st Street between 7th Avenue and 6th Avenue
- West/East 50th Street between 7th Avenue and Dead End / FDR Drive
- West/East 49th Street between 8th Avenue and FDR Drive Service Road
- FDR Drive Service Road between East 48th Street and East 49th Street
- East 48th Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive Service Road
- West 46th Street between 8th Avenue and 6th Avenue / Avenue of the Americas
- West/East 42nd Street between 7th Avenue and FDR Drive
- West/East 34th Street between 7th Avenue and FDR Drive
The Gridlock Alert Days will return in November leading up to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and continue throughout December as tourists flock to the city for holiday festivities.
Avoid driving in NYC during these periods, especially on the following dates:
- Wednesday, November 20
- Thursday, November 21
- Friday, November 22
- Tuesday, November 26
- Tuesday, December 3
- Wednesday, December 4
- Thursday, December 5
- Friday, December 6
- Tuesday, December 10
- Wednesday, December 11
- Thursday, December 12
- Friday, December 13
- Tuesday, December 17
- Wednesday, December 18
- Thursday, December 19
Plan ahead and opt for public transportation for a smoother experience during this busy time in the city.
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