Gridlock alert days coming in Manhattan with upcoming U.N. General Assembly, holidays
Traffic moves through midtown Manhattan in August, 2022. Credit: Getty Images/Spencer Platt
While one potential commuting nightmare for Manhattan-bound Long Islanders has been averted, another is looming next week.
Just a day after a potential Long Island Rail Road strike was put on hold until 2026, the New York City Department of Transportation announced a slew of expected "Gridlock Alert" days beginning Monday — starting with the United Nations General Assembly meeting all next week.
The NYC DOT said in an emailed statement Tuesday that drivers can expect congestion-packed commuting days into and across midtown continuing through the coming holiday season, warning of "slowest of the year" traffic speeds.
In fact, the NYC DOT has identified 20 Gridlock Alert days beginning next week and into the Christmas holiday season — days when traffic is expected to be at its slowest and most-congested. U.N. General Assembly week tops the list.
NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez advised commuters to stick with mass transit options as often as possible, adding: "New York City welcomes the U.N. 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."
According to projections from the NYC DOT, expected traffic congestion will slow midtown traffic to less than 4 mph.
Normal midtown traffic already averages 4-6 mph, the NYC DOT said in its statement Tuesday.
The NYC DOT identified these as expected Gridlock Alert days: Sept. 22-26, Nov. 19-20, Nov. 25, Dec. 3-5, Dec. 8-12 and, Dec. 15-18.
Variable message system boards will be placed on roads across the city, reminding motorists of expected delays, the NYC DOT said. The agency said tourist and "holiday activities" also figure to contribute to "heightened traffic" and potential delays between now and New Year's Day.
John Valenti, a reporter at Newsday since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press and Society of the Silurians for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing, and is the author of “Swee'pea,” a book about former New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. Valenti is featured in the Emmy Award-winning ESPN 30-for-30 film “Big Shot.”
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