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Sorry, NYC drivers. Traffic is about to get even worse than usual.
Gothamist • • world
Key Points:
- The U.N. General Assembly week in Midtown will cause significant traffic slowdowns, exacerbated by daily large protests and heightened police presence, especially during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address on Thursday.
- The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) has identified 20 "gridlock days" through the end of the year, with most occurring in December and some days before Thanksgiving also expected to be heavily congested.
- During the U.N. General Assembly, Midtown traffic speeds are expected to drop below 4 mph, compared to the usual 4-6 mph, with the DOT deploying variable message boards to alert drivers about delays.
- The city recommends using public transportation, biking, or walking to avoid traffic, highlighting the First Avenue Tunnel protected bike lane, which will become permanent in 2024 and offers a jersey barrier-protected express route bypassing busy intersections near the U.N. headquarters.
- The First Avenue Tunnel is noted as the first in the U.S. to be converted for bike traffic while still allowing vehicle travel, aiming to ease congestion during gridlock days.
