Manhattan Has 20 'Gridlock Days' From Now Until End Of Year, Officials Say

MIDTOWN, NY — Make sure to check the calendar before driving in Manhattan, because there are 20 days from now until the end of the year that are likely to have completely gridlocked streets, the New York City Department of Transportation warned.

The first "Gridlock Alert Days" are from Sept. 22 to Sept. 26, due to the gathering of the United Nations General Assembly on the East Side. During this time, drivers should expect the slowest traffic of the year in Midtown, with average speeds dropping below 4 mph, according to DOT data.

The agency is urging New Yorkers and visitors to avoid driving and instead use subways, buses, rail lines, ferries, bikes or walking, during these dates.

DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez highlighted the role of congestion pricing in reducing car traffic but stressed the need for commuters to stick to transit during peak congestion.

"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.

"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."

Additional Gridlock Alert Days will hit around the busy holiday season, running from Nov. 19 through Dec. 18.

Here's the full list:

• Monday, Sept. 22
• Tuesday, Sept. 23
• Wednesday, Sept. 24
• Thursday, Sept. 25
• Friday, Sept. 26
• Wednesday, Nov. 19
• Thursday, Nov. 20
• Tuesday, Nov. 25
• Wednesday, Dec. 3
• Thursday, Dec. 4
• Friday, Dec. 5
• Monday, Dec. 8
• Tuesday, Dec. 9
• Wednesday, Dec. 10
• Thursday, Dec. 11
• Friday, Dec. 12
• Monday, Dec. 15
• Tuesday, Dec. 16
• Wednesday, Dec. 17
• Thursday, Dec. 18

For questions and tips, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.