NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — The fall marks the beginning of a series of large-scale events in Manhattan, leading New York City officials to warn drivers to stay off the island on almost three dozen “Gridlock Alert Days” to avoid long waits and standstill traffic.
The first days on the list coincide with the UN General Assembly, which according to NYC Department of Transportation traffic data, are historically the slowest average motor vehicle speeds in Midtown each year, coming in between four and six miles per hour. The UN General Assembly runs from Sept. 22 through Sept. 26.
“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.
Due to the success of a temporary bike lane through the First Avenue tunnel between East 40th and 49th streets for the UN General Assembly over the past several years, the DOT completed a permanent protected bike lane there last fall.
Following these initial five days of gridlock, city officials identified 15 more days where tourist and holiday activities contribute to heightened traffic. See the full list below.
The DOT urges the use of alternative forms of transportation, including cycling, the subway, buses, commuter rail lines, ferries and walking during these days.
“We are seeing the success of congestion pricing in its first year as few vehicles enter the city’s urban core, making it especially important to stick with transit during Gridlock Alert Days,” Rodriguez said.
Gridlock Alert Days 2025:
• Monday, September 22
• Tuesday, September 23
• Wednesday, September 24
• Thursday, September. 25
• Friday, September 26
• Wednesday, November 19
• Thursday, November 20
• Tuesday, November 25
• Wednesday, December 3
• Thursday, December 4
• Friday, December. 5
• Monday, December 8
• Tuesday, December 9
• Wednesday, December 10
• Thursday, December 11
• Friday, December 12
• Monday, December 15
• Tuesday, December 16
• Wednesday, December 17
• Thursday, December 18
More information can be found at nyc.gov/gridlockalert.