NYC Gridlock Alert Day List

By Hamodia Staff

The New York City Department of Transportation announced a list of Gridlock Alert Days for Manhattan ahead of the United Nations general assembly to be held next week.

The DOT has identified 19 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.

Drivers should expect extensive street closures and delays across Manhattan for the duration of next week.

“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,” NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said in a statement. “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.”

Bicycle Access: NYC DOT also announced that the protected bicycle lanes in East Midtown along First and Second Avenues, which have over 7,000 daily riders, would remain open and operational during U.N. General Assembly week. Cyclists along First Avenue will use the First Avenue Tunnel between East 40th and East 49th Streets and remain in effect 24 hours a day next week. Along Second Avenue, a temporary bike lane will be in effect between East 47th and East 42nd Streets each day until 9 p.m. Cyclists on both avenues will be subject to security checkpoints and occasional, unannounced traffic freezes.

This year’s remaining Gridlock Alert Days are:

Monday, September 18
Tuesday, September 19
Wednesday, September 20
Thursday, September 21
Friday, September 22
Wednesday, November 15
Thursday, November 16
Tuesday, November 21
Wednesday, November 29
Thursday, November 30
Friday, December 1
Tuesday, December 5
Wednesday, December 6
Thursday, December 7
Friday, December 8
Tuesday, December 12
Wednesday, December 13
Thursday, December 14
Friday, December 15