New York City drivers should expect heavier traffic, street closures and delays on 20 days through the end of 2026, according to the city’s Department of Transportation.
The department announced its list of gridlock alert days for the remainder of the year, warning drivers that the congestion begins during the week of the U.N. General Assembly, which runs Sept. 21 through Sept. 25, and continues sporadically through the holiday season.
“New York City always welcomes the UN General Assembly with open arms, but we encourage the public to seek non-driving modes of transportation that week, on the remaining 15 Gridlock Alert Days, and year-round,” DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn said in a statement.
The DOT says traffic is expected to be at its slowest and most congested on the 20 designated days.
Traffic data shows average motor vehicle speeds in Midtown during U.N. General Assembly week have historically been the slowest of the year, at less than 4 mph. Midtown traffic normally averages between 4 and 6 mph, according to the DOT.
Flynn said the city’s congestion pricing program is expected to help reduce some of the traffic burden.
“The first 20 months of Congestion Pricing continue to reduce vehicles entering the city’s urban core, and we expect this to continue — especially on Gridlock Alert Days,” he said.
The DOT is encouraging New Yorkers to use alternative modes of transportation, including bicycles.
Here is a complete list of the gridlock alert days:
Monday, Sept. 21
Tuesday, Sept. 22
Wednesday, Sept. 23
Thursday, Sept. 24
Friday, Sept. 25
Wednesday, Nov. 18
Thursday, Nov. 19
Tuesday, Nov. 24
Wednesday, Dec. 2
Thursday, Dec. 3
Friday, Dec. 4
Tuesday, Dec. 8
Wednesday, Dec. 9
Thursday, Dec. 10
Friday, Dec. 11
Tuesday, Dec. 15
Wednesday, Dec. 16
Thursday, Dec. 17
Friday, Dec. 18
Wednesday, Dec. 23