NYC Gridlock Alert: Avoid Driving On These 20 Days

MANHATTAN, NY — New Yorkers may want to leave their cars at home on 20 dates this fall and winter when Manhattan traffic is expected to grind nearly to a halt.

The city Department of Transportation on Thursday shared its remaining "Gridlock Alert Days" for 2026, beginning with the United Nations General Assembly from Monday, Sept. 21, through Friday, Sept. 25.

Drivers should expect extensive street closures and traffic delays across Manhattan throughout the U.N. gathering, officials said.

Midtown traffic moves at its slowest pace of the year during the General Assembly, averaging less than 4 mph, according to DOT data. On a typical day, Midtown traffic averages between 4 and 6 mph.

The DOT urged New Yorkers and visitors to avoid driving on the designated dates and instead take trains, subways, buses or ferries, or travel by bicycle or on foot.

"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.

Electronic message boards throughout the city will warn motorists about expected delays, officials said.

After the General Assembly, the next gridlock alerts are scheduled for two days in November and 13 days during the busy holiday season in December.

The remaining 2026 Gridlock Alert Days are:

• 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

Tourist traffic and holiday events contribute to the seasonal congestion, officials said.

The DOT said it has expanded alternatives to driving in Manhattan by upgrading bus and bicycle lanes, including lanes along Madison and Lexington avenues and a permanent protected bike lane through the First Avenue Tunnel near the United Nations.

More information is available on the city’s Gridlock Alert Days webpage.

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