Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release #11-95

Seth Solomonow/Montgomery Dean (212) 839-4850

NYC DOT Announces 2011 Holiday Traffic Mitigation Plan

Today is the first of nine Gridlock Alert Days as the holiday season kicks into full swing

The New York City Department of Transportation today announced the 2011 Holiday Traffic Mitigation Plan to encourage mass transit use and address the increased congestion and gridlock that historically occurs from the week before Thanksgiving until after New Year's Day. The Holiday Traffic Plan was developed in coordination with other agencies and includes nine Gridlock Alert Days and an embargo on non-emergency construction through the holiday season. The plan also includes right turn restrictions and temporary adjustments to parking regulations at key locations in Midtown Manhattan to reduce congestion. DOT has notified bus operators of special regulations in effect during the holiday season and reminded them to use designated routes and layover areas to help facilitate traffic flow.

Highlights from the 2011 Holiday Traffic Mitigation Plan include:

Gridlock Alert Days

The City designates several days around the holidays when there is a significant increase in vehicular traffic as Gridlock Alert Days. Residents, commuters and visitors are strongly advised to use mass transit on the following days:

  • Friday, November 18
  • Wednesday, November 23
  • Wednesday, November 30
  • Friday, December 9
  • Thursday, December 15
  • Friday, December 16
  • Wednesday, December 21
  • Thursday, December 22
  • Friday, December 23

Construction Embargo

A special construction embargo is in effect Friday, Nov. 18 from 6 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. and from 6 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 21, 2011 through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 2, 2012 for the 2011 Holiday Construction Embargo. There will be strict enforcement of this embargo and violators are subject to be summonsed. Details of this embargo are available online and locations can be viewed on the NYCityMap at nyc.gov/dot.

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