NYC DOT Announces ‘Gridlock Alert’ Days, Beginning with United Nations General Assembly Next Week and Through the Holiday Season

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IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2024
Contact: (212) 839-4850, [email protected]

NYC DOT Announces 'Gridlock Alert' Days, Beginning with United Nations General Assembly Next Week and Through the Holiday Season

Agency Encourages New Yorkers To Use Alternate Forms of Transportation, Especially on These Days

Midtown Traffic Speeds Are the Slowest of the Year During the U.N. General Assembly, With Average Speeds in Midtown Under 4 Four Miles per Hour

NEW YORK - New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today released a list of Gridlock Alert Days through the end of the year, including the week of United Nations General Assembly (September 23 to September 27). Drivers should expect extensive street closures and delays across Manhattan for the duration of next week. NYC DOT strongly encourages drivers to use alternative modes of transportation, especially on these days. New Yorkers can choose from a variety of available transportation options including regional rail lines, the 24/7 metropolitan subway and bus system, ferries, cycling, and walking.

"We strongly encourage New Yorkers and those in the region to travel by transit every day of the year-but it's especially important during Gridlock Alert days," said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. "The UN General Assembly is a great event each year the city is proud to host, but New Yorkers should do their part in minimizing congestion and seeking alternative modes of transportation."

"Each year, New York City proudly hosts the United Nations General Assembly, underscoring our position as a global city and the home to the world's largest diplomatic community," said Mayor's Office for International Affairs Commissioner Edward Mermelstein. "We also acknowledge the impact of the UN General Assembly High-Level Week on the routine of New Yorkers. We are grateful to our colleagues at the NYC Department of Transportation for sharing this advance notification for drivers that will ensure a safe and productive UN General Assembly experience for everyone. We remain committed to sharing Mayor Eric Adams's vision of a safe, fair, and sustainable city with the world."

Gridlock Alert Days: NYC DOT has identified 20 Gridlock Alert Days through the end of the year - the days when traffic is expected to be at its slowest and most congested. NYC DOT traffic data shows that average motor vehicle speeds in Midtown during U.N. General Assembly week are their slowest of the year: less than four miles per hour, whereas Midtown traffic normally averages between four and six miles per hour. Variable Message System boards around New York City have this week warned drivers of next week's expected delays. Tourist and holiday activities also contribute to heightened traffic.

Bicycle Access: Based on the success of the temporary bike lane through the tunnel for UNGA over the past four years, NYC DOT is in the process of making the design permanent through a street redesign. This new jersey barrier-protected bike lane will create an express lane for cyclists and micro-mobility users through a portion of midtown. Project implementation is ongoing. NYC DOT will secure the tunnel lane for cyclist access during the General Assembly as work continues.

2024 Gridlock Alert Days are:

• Monday, September 23
• Tuesday, September 24
• Wednesday, September 25
• Thursday, September 26
• Friday, September 27
• 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

For more information, visit nyc.gov/gridlockalert.

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