New Yorkers, brace yourselves for a series of traffic disruptions as the city is set to implement 20 Gridlock Alert Days tied to the U.N. General Assembly and the 2025 holiday season. As reported by CBS News New York, these days are infamous for causing major delays throughout the city, prompting the Department of Transportation to encourage the use of public transportation over driving.
The Gridlock Alert Days begin on September 22, in line with a particularly congested period expected during the 80th U.N. General Assembly. Notable figures such as the United Kingdom's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and France's President Emmanuel Macron are expected to attend, with substantial street closures anticipated. "New York City welcomes the UN 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," NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said in a statement obtained by CBS News New York.
The DOT estimates that Midtown traffic speeds might slow to an excruciating four miles per hour, as highlighted by PIX11.
Following the assembly, there will be a temporary lull in the traffic pandemonium before it picks up again with the holiday season. The city is scheduled to implement Gridlock Alert Days to accommodate the influx of holiday events and festivities, including the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. As reported per CBS News New York, a pedestrian-only zone around Rockefeller Center is commonly established to facilitate the surge of holiday shoppers.
The DOT has listed specific days when commuters are expected to experience heavy traffic and extensive street closures, with an expanded Citi Bike access initiative in place to help alleviate some of the strains on public transit. Among these designated days are November 19 and 20, December 3 through 5, and a continuous stretch from December 8 to 18. In spite of closures, the city aims to keep transportation as fluid as possible during these traffic-heavy times.
