NEW YORK, NY — The UN General Assembly’s meeting in New York City promises a week of major traffic disruptions for local residents.
The term “gridlock” is synonymous with New York City’s notorious traffic congestion, which is set to intensify during the UN’s event. New Yorkers typically rely on an array of transportation options including regional rail lines, subways, buses, ferries, cycling, and walking to navigate the city. However, the UN meeting is expected to put additional strain on these systems.
The NYC Department of Transportation has marked the meeting days as Gridlock Alert Days, urging residents to consider alternate modes of transportation. Specifically, walking, biking, and public transportation are recommended to alleviate the pressure on road networks.
According to NYCDOT, here are the following gridlock alert days:
- Monday, September 18, 2023
- Tuesday, September 19, 2023
- Wednesday, September 20, 2023
- Thursday, September 21, 2023
- Friday, September 22, 2023
The dates identified for this year’s Gridlock Alert Days include Monday through Thursday of the assembly week. For those who opt for cycling, the protected bicycle lanes in East Midtown along First and Second Avenues will remain open. However, cyclists should be prepared for security checkpoints and occasional, unannounced traffic freezes due to the assembly.
By heeding these advisories, New Yorkers can navigate the week’s challenges and minimize the inconvenience caused by the international gathering.