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Gridlock Alert Days are back. Here’s when traffic in NYC will be a total nightmare.

By

Giulia Heyward

Published Sep 16, 2025

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Traffic in Lower Manhattan New York at night, new Hudson Yards buildings on the background.

 

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By

Giulia Heyward

Published Sep 16, 2025

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If you’re driving in Midtown next week, pack a snack and maybe a sleeping bag.

Traffic during the United Nations General Assembly — which runs from Sept. 22 to 26 — is expected to bring some of the worst congestion of the year. The city has officially declared the return of “Gridlock Alert Days.”

And next week is just the start. The city has scheduled 20 Gridlock Alert Days between now and mid-December, when traffic can slow to under 4 mph due to extensive street closures and delays.

Anyone heading into the five boroughs is being strongly urged to use public transportation instead.

Bikers can use the protected bike lane in the First Avenue Tunnel to bypass crowded intersections near the UN headquarters. The city’s Department of Transportation has also expanded bike lanes across Manhattan and continues to upgrade crosstown and avenue bus routes.

“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,” city DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said in a statement.

The remaining Gridlock Alert Days this year include:

Tagged

new york city

transportation

Giulia Heyward

Giulia Heyward is a breaking news reporter on the Day-Of desk. She previously worked at NPR, as a breaking news reporter, and the New York Times, as a reporting fellow on the national desk. Her work has also appeared in CNN, The Atlantic and Politico. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or more securely on signal at 917-715-1458.

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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

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