NYC Gridlock Alert Days 2024: United Nations General Assembly Marks Start of Heavy Traffic Season

MANHATTAN, New York (WABC) — Gridlock Alert Days begin Monday in New York City with the United Nations General Assembly and run through the 2024 holiday season.

Motorists should expect extensive road closures and delays in Manhattan all week.

The annual gathering of world leaders ends on Monday, September 30.

NYC DOT strongly advises motorists to use alternative modes of transportation, especially on these days.

According to officials, the average speed in Midtown during the UN General Assembly is under 4 miles per hour.

New Yorkers are encouraged to use regional train lines, the subway, the bus system, ferries, bicycles and walk.

NYC DOT has designated 20 congestion warning days through the end of the year. These are the days when traffic is expected to be slowest and most congested.

The warning days for traffic jams in 2024 are:

Monday September 23
Tuesday September 24
Wednesday September 25
Thursday September 26
Friday September 27
Wednesday November 20
Thursday November 21st
Friday November 22nd
Tuesday November 26
Tuesday December 3rd
Wednesday December 4th
Thursday December 5th
Friday December 6th
Tuesday December 10th
Wednesday December 11th
Thursday December 12th
Friday December 13th
Tuesday December 17th
Wednesday December 18th
Thursday December 19th

Are you a cyclist? The temporary bike lane through the tunnel between E. 40th and E. 49th Streets in front of the UN General Assembly has been successful for the past four years and is now being rebuilt.

NYC DOT is working to make the design permanent by redesigning the street.

Officials say the barrier-protected bike lane will create an express lane for cyclists and micromobility users in part of Midtown.

For more information, visit nyc.gov/gridlockalert.

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