Gridlock Alert Days

DOT Traffic Congestion 5th Avenue Midtown Manhattan

Coined in New York City, the term gridlock means traffic congestion that blocks a city’s network of intersections and has been used to describe the Manhattan core’s overwhelming traffic volume in general. Despite the number of vehicles on our streets, New Yorkers most often choose from a variety of available transportation options including regional rail lines, the 24/7 metropolitan subway and bus system, ferries, cycling, and walking.

NYC DOT designates the busiest traffic days of the year as Gridlock Alert Days. Whether traveling for work, errands or recreation, please consider walking, biking or taking public transportation whenever possible.

2023 Gridlock Alert Days

  • Monday, September 18, 2023
  • Tuesday, September 19, 2023
  • Wednesday, September 20, 2023
  • Thursday, September 21, 2023
  • Friday, September 22, 2023
  • Wednesday, November 15, 2023
  • Thursday, November 16, 2023
  • Tuesday, November 21, 2023
  • Wednesday, November 29, 2023
  • Thursday, November 30, 2023
  • Friday, December 1, 2023
  • Tuesday, December 5, 2023
  • Wednesday, December 6, 2023
  • Thursday, December 7, 2023
  • Friday, December 8, 2023
  • Tuesday, December 12, 2023
  • Wednesday, December 13, 2023
  • Thursday, December 14, 2023
  • Friday, December 15, 2023

Bicycle Access During UNGA Gridlock Alert Days

Protected bicycle lanes in East Midtown along First and Second Avenues will remain open and operational during UNGA, September 18 to 22, 2023. Cyclists on both avenues will be subject to security checkpoints and occasional, unannounced traffic freezes.

First Avenue Protected Bike Lane Access

  • Cyclists riding along First Avenue will use the First Avenue Tunnel between East 40th and East 49th Streets
  • In effect 24 hours a day
Orange barrels separate a bike lane from a vehicular travel lane on First Avenue during U N General Assembly.

 

Second Avenue Protected Bike Lane Access

  • A temporary bike lane will be in effect between East 47th and East 42nd Streets
  • In effect each day until 9pm
Orange cones and a barrel divide travel lanes for authorized vehicles and bikes on Second Avenue during the U N General Assembly.