NEW YORK — New York City’s Gridlock Alert Days kick off the 2024 season on Monday, as the United Nations General Assembly enters its pivotal week on Manhattan’s East Side.
The city’s Department of Transportation has identified 20 days when traffic is expected to be the worst, including the week of the UN General Assembly from September 23 to 27, and the holiday tourism season.
During this time, transportation authorities are encouraging New Yorkers to use public transportation as much as possible.
“We strongly encourage New Yorkers and those in the region to take public transportation every day of the year, but it’s especially important during Gridlock Alert days,” NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said in a statement. “The UN General Assembly is a great event every year that the city is proud of, but New Yorkers must do their part by minimizing congestion and seeking alternative modes of transportation.”
Data shows that the average speed in Midtown during General Assembly week drops to less than 4 miles per hour, compared to the normal average speed of 4 to 6 miles per hour.
Map shows UN General Assembly road closures
CBS News New York
The UN General Assembly started on Tuesday September 10th and will last until Monday, September 30, while the High-Level Debate will take place from September 24 to 28.
Motorists should expect delays on 1st Avenue between 34th and 63rd Streets, and on FDR Drive.
According to the NYPD, 57th and 42nd Streets will be reduced to one lane in each direction from 2nd through 5th Avenues, and 1st Avenue will become a “frozen zone” from 40th through 49th Streets.
The following street closures will be in effect until September 29.
- FDR Drive between Whitehall Street and 42nd Street
- Area bounded by East 86th Street to the north, East 80th Street to the south, Park Avenue to the east, and 5th Avenue to the west; All inclusive
- Area bounded by 60th Street to the north, 34th Street to the south, 1st Avenue to the east, and 3rd Avenue to the west; All inclusive
- Area bounded by 57th Street to the north, 45th Street to the south, 3rd Avenue to the east, and Madison Avenue to the west; All inclusive
- Area bounded by 58th Street to the north, 49th Street to the south, Madison Avenue to the east, and 6th Avenue/Avenue of the Americas to the west; All inclusive
- Area bounded by West 47th Street to the north, West 44th Street to the south, 7th Avenue to the east, and 8th Avenue to the west; All inclusive
- 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
NYC Traffic Congestion Warning Days Due to Holiday Tourism Season
Once the UN General Assembly is over, the days of stalemate warning will return Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in November. They remain hanging throughout December, when hordes of tourists will descend on the city for the iconic festive lights and shopping.
Below you will find the full list of traffic jam warning dates for the rest of the year.
- Wednesday November 20
- Thursday November 21st
- Friday November 22nd
- Tuesday November 26
- Tuesday December 3rd
- Wednesday December 4th
- Thursday December 5th
- Friday December 6th
- Tuesday December 10th
- Wednesday December 11th
- Thursday December 12th
- Friday December 13
- Tuesday December 17th
- Wednesday December 18th
- Thursday December 19th
In the past, the city has also established a car-free zone around Rockefeller Center during the busy holiday season.
