NYC Stops Work On 34th Street Busway After Feds Threaten To Cut Funding

NEW YORK CITY — New York City has paused work on the 34th Street busway project in Manhattan after the Trump administration threatened to withhold funding on Friday.

In a letter to the city's Department of Transportation on Thursday, Federal Highway Administration Sean McMaster ordered the city to "cease and desist all activities to implement the 34th Street busway project immediately."

McMaster cited concerns over "the safe movement of commuters and commerce-including large truck deliveries" and maintaining access for emergency vehicles.

The stretch of 34th Street being redesigned is part of the National Highway System.

The Department of Transportation confirmed on Friday that the project has been paused as they work with the federal government to resolve the matter.

"The vast majority of commuters in Midtown are traveling by transit, and they deserve world-class, fast, and reliable buses. The redesign for 34th Street mirrors other street designs from across the city and allows for truck, private, and emergency vehicle access on every block. We are confident that the design complies with all applicable federal laws and regulations, and we will work with the federal government to advance this critical project," The NYC DOT said in a statement.

The project was initially given the green light after the City Council voted to rezone part of Midtown South in August. The plan included public street changes, and turning 34th Street into a dedicated busway, and making Broadway fully car-free.

In response to the decision, Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Council Member Keith Powers, NYC DOT, and Transportation Alternatives will hold a rally Friday evening at 34th Street and Broadway to defend the project and get "Trump Out of the Bus Lane."