Brace for Heavy Traffic in Manhattan: UN General Assembly is Here
As the United Nations General Assembly convenes in New York City this week, motorists should prepare for what is expected to be the slowest traffic of the year in Midtown. The New York City Department of Transportation warns that average vehicle speeds could drop below 4 mph, a stark contrast to typical speeds of 4 to 6 mph.
From now until Friday, September 27, every weekday has been designated as a “gridlock alert” day, part of a broader initiative anticipating 20 such days throughout 2024. City officials are encouraging residents to utilize mass transit to avoid congestion.
During the assembly, several key streets will be closed, including:
- First Avenue from 34th to 51st Streets
- 42nd Street between First and Second Avenues (closed until 7 p.m. daily)
- 44th, 46th, and 48th Streets between First and Second Avenues
A more comprehensive list of affected roads is available from the Department of Transportation.
Traffic conditions in Midtown are reportedly the slowest on record, according to a recent report by traffic expert Sam Schwartz and state Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal. The report indicates that traffic speeds have declined by approximately 20% over the past decade, impacting emergency response times for medical, police, and fire services.
This traffic nightmare is unlikely to improve soon, as the Department of Transportation has also scheduled gridlock days for the holiday season, including November 20-22 and 26, as well as December 4-6, 10-13, and 17-19.