New York City is known for its bustling streets and heavy traffic, but it seems like things are about to get even worse. The United Nations General Assembly is in town this week, and the New York City Department of Transportation is warning that this will lead to the slowest traffic of the year in Midtown. During this time, average vehicle speeds are expected to drop below 4 mph, which is even slower than the typical 4 to 6 mph seen in the city.
To combat this gridlock, the transportation department is urging New Yorkers to use mass transit whenever possible. In fact, every weekday through Friday, Sept. 27 has been designated as a “gridlock alert” day. This is just the beginning of a season of traffic congestion, with more gridlock days expected in 2024.
In addition to encouraging the use of mass transit, transportation officials are also working on providing temporary bike lanes for cyclists and micro-mobility users in Midtown. The goal is to eventually make these changes permanent to help alleviate some of the traffic issues in the area.
During the General Assembly, several streets will be closed to accommodate the event. These closures include First Avenue from 34th to 51st Streets, 42nd Street between First and Second Avenues until 7 p.m. each day, and 44th, 46th, and 48th streets between First and Second Avenues. For a more detailed list of road closures and affected areas, the Department of Transportation has provided additional information.
According to a recent report by traffic expert Sam Schwartz and state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, traffic speeds in Midtown are currently the slowest on record. Speeds have decreased by about 20% compared to a decade ago, leading to severe delays for medical, police, and fire vehicles. This has raised concerns about emergency response times and overall safety in the city.
Unfortunately, the traffic situation is not expected to improve anytime soon. The transportation department has already designated more gridlock days during the holiday season, including Nov. 20-22 and 26, as well as Dec. 4-6, 10-13, and 17-19. With these upcoming challenges in mind, it’s important for New Yorkers to plan ahead, use alternative transportation methods, and stay informed about road closures and traffic updates to navigate the city safely and efficiently.
