With the arrival of fall, New York City is bracing for weeks of heavy congestion in Manhattan, prompting officials to issue warnings for drivers. Nearly three dozen “Gridlock Alert Days” have been designated, during which motorists are strongly advised to avoid the borough to escape severe backups and immovable traffic.
The first wave of alert days coincides with the annual United Nations General Assembly. Data from the NYC Department of Transportation shows that Midtown experiences its slowest traffic speeds of the year during this period, averaging just four to six miles per hour. The UN gathering will be held from September 22 through September 26.
“New York City welcomes the UN General Assembly once again this year, but New Yorkers and visitors alike should do their part in minimizing congestion and seeking non-driving modes of transportation,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez.
In previous years, a temporary bike lane was installed through the First Avenue tunnel, between East 40th and 49th streets, to ease gridlock during the UN event. After proving effective, the DOT made this protected bike lane a permanent feature last fall.
Once the General Assembly days conclude, city planners have identified 15 additional dates later in the year when gridlock is expected, largely due to holiday festivities and heavy tourism.
To combat the gridlock, officials are urging commuters to opt for alternatives such as bicycles, subways, buses, commuter trains, ferries, or simply walking.
“We are seeing the success of congestion pricing in its first year as few vehicles enter the city’s urban core, making it especially important to stick with transit during Gridlock Alert Days,” Rodriguez added.
The following dates have been listed as Gridlock Alert Days for 2025:
• Monday, September 22
• Tuesday, September 23
• Wednesday, September 24
• Thursday, September 25
• Friday, September 26
• Wednesday, November 19
• Thursday, November 20
• Tuesday, November 25
• Wednesday, December 3
• Thursday, December 4
• Friday, December 5
• Monday, December 8
• Tuesday, December 9
• Wednesday, December 10
• Thursday, December 11
• Friday, December 12
• Monday, December 15
• Tuesday, December 16
• Wednesday, December 17
• Thursday, December 18
Additional details are available at nyc.gov/gridlockalert.
{Matzav.com}
