NYC Gridlock Alert: 20 UNGA Closures & 20 Gridlock Alert Days to Avoid

NYC Traffic Season is Here: Avoid Gridlock with These Tips

New York City's busiest traffic season is here, with the annual United Nations General Assembly kicking off the annual wave of gridlock.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has released its list of Gridlock Alert days, with 20 days expected to have overwhelming traffic through the end of 2024. These days are marked in red on your calendar, as traffic data shows average vehicle speeds in Midtown during the General Assembly week drop to under 4 mph, compared to the typical 6 to 7 mph.

Road closures have already begun for the UNGA, so be sure to check your routes this weekend. The NYPD will be ensuring world leaders get to and from the event safely, with visible officers and additional security measures.

There is some good news for cyclists: over the past four years, the city created a temporary bike lane through the tunnel during UNGA, and it has been a success, according to the DOT. Officials are now redesigning the lane to make it a permanent fixture.

The NYC DOT's announcement reads: "This new jersey barrier-protected bike lane will create an express lane for cyclists and micro-mobility users through a portion of midtown."

Here's the list of 2024 Gridlock Alert days, so you can mark your calendars and plan to take public transit:

• Monday, September 23, 2024
• Tuesday, September 24, 2024
• Wednesday, September 25, 2024
• Thursday, September 26, 2024
• Friday, September 27, 2024
• Wednesday, November 20, 2024
• Thursday, November 21, 2024
• Friday, November 22, 2024
• Tuesday, November 26, 2024
• Tuesday, December 3, 2024
• Wednesday, December 4, 2024
• Thursday, December 5, 2024
• Friday, December 6, 2024
• Tuesday, December 10, 2024
• Wednesday, December 11, 2024
• Thursday, December 12, 2024
• Friday, December 13, 2024
• Tuesday, December 17, 2024
• Wednesday, December 18, 2024
• Thursday, December 19, 2024

Plan ahead, check your routes, and be prepared for heavy traffic during these Gridlock Alert days!